Janitors At 500 NJ Buildings Vote For Strike: ‘We Know Our Worth’

NEWARK, NJ — All they want for Christmas is a new contract.

On Tuesday, 7,000 janitors and office cleaners in New Jersey voted to authorize a strike if they don’t reach a deal with their employers when their current work agreement ends on Dec. 31.

The workers – who are represented by labor union 32BJ SEIU – are currently bargaining with a group representing owners and cleaning contractors at more than 500 office buildings throughout the state. Those buildings include PATH stations, landmarks such as the Goldman Sachs Tower, Novartis' 1 Health Plaza and the Prudential Center in Newark, and properties used by Allergan, Teva Pharmaceuticals, Merck and Bristol Meyers-Squibb.

According to union spokespeople, the cleaners and janitors are demanding a new, four-year deal with wage increases and better job protections against sexual harassment. The workers are also fighting proposed hikes to their shares for family health insurance.

• See related article: 7,000 Janitors In NJ Might Strike If Deal Can't Be Reached

“We're ready to strike,” asserted Ederle Vaughan, a 32BJ bargaining committee member and cleaner at Newark Prudential Center. “We know our worth in this economy and in the community and we will fight to keep our affordable health insurance and wages.”

“As a mom living check to check, I can’t afford the health insurance they’re proposing,” Vaughan said. “We know they have the money to do the right thing.”

• See related article: Meet 10 NJ Families Who Had To Crowdfund For Healthcare

According to 32BJ SEIU, the vast majority of cleaners covered by the commercial contract currently earn between $15.35 and $17.30 per hour. However, a family of four needs to earn $74,748 per year to simply survive in New Jersey. The median wage for 32BJ SEIU janitors at $15.55 per hour — about $32,240 per year — is far below the survival wage, union spokespeople pointed out.

“It’s clear that the working people of New Jersey are united in raising standards for all, not just the wealthy few,” said Sue Altman, executive director of the NJ Working Families Alliance. “Today’s strike vote demonstrates just that. I stand in solidarity with the janitors who voted to go on strike, the hardworking community members who are making a true showing of power today.”

On Tuesday – gritting their teeth against icy temperatures – the cleaning workers and their supporters gathered for a rally, marching a mile up Broad Street in Newark and shutting down the street during rush hour.

Their efforts have attracted the sympathy of UPS delivery workers with Teamsters Local 469, who have pledged to honor 32BJ SEIU picket lines if a strike takes place.

“Our members work alongside 32BJ SEIU members every day – they deliver packages in 32BJ buildings, pick up trash and more,” Teamsters Local 469 President Fred Potter said. “Union members keep this state running every day, and we’re serious about a fair contract.”

“Thousands of janitors have made it clear today that they’re not settling for less,” 32BJ SEIU Vice President Kevin Brown said Tuesday. “32BJ members keep over 500 buildings clean and open for business. NJ’s commercial real estate market can’t leave working people behind, not when it’s booming like this. Employers say there isn’t enough, but the data doesn’t lie. A strike is a last resort, but workers are ready to strike if they need to.”

Several elected officials came out to support the cleaners on Tuesday, including Assemblywoman Britnee Timberlake (District 34), Newark City Council President Mildred Crump and Jersey City Council President Rolando Lavarro.

Timberlake, who represents Clifton, East Orange, Montclair and Orange, said that janitors are the most important people in a building.

“As the cost of living rises, it’s become increasingly harder for working people to make ends meet,” Timberlake said. “Workers have to raise their voice and we have to lift them up in support. Like every hardworking person, janitors deserve to be paid enough to create a bright future for their families.”

Other elected officials who have supported the janitors include Gov. Phil Murphy, state Assembly members Annette Quijano, Shavonda Sumter and John Gibson, Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, East Orange Mayor Ted Green, Morristown Mayor Tim Dougherty, Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor Michael Soriano, Union County Freeholders Rebecca Williams and Bette Jane Kowalski, and Bergen County Freeholders Germaine Ortiz and John Sulliva.

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