What an incredible turnout on March 13 as thousands of janitors who service Building Owner and Management Association (BOMA) buildings in downtown and the suburbs launched their contract campaign in downtown Chicago! We were joined by Mayor Brandon Johnson, President of the Cook County Board of Commissioners Toni Preckwinkle, 20 Aldermen, and several community ally groups – all who declared their solidarity with Local 1 janitors as they headed to the bargaining table on March 14th!

The contracts that impact 8,000 downtown janitors and suburban janitors, predominantly employed by ABM, Allied Universal Janitorial Services, and Harvard Maintenence, are set to expire April 7, 2024. On average, Local 1 janitors are tasked with cleaning 65,000 square feet of office space in one day with many walking up to 20,000 steps in a single shift – equivalent to almost nine miles of walking.

Local 1 janitors are ready to fight for good contract that ensures higher wages, good benefits, secure retirement and quality healthcare. Stay tuned for updates on how bargaining is going!