With hour to spare, custodian union & office building owners reach contract

Sixty minutes before the contract was set to expire, a tentative agreement was made and a strike averted.

The union representing 2,800 custodians and the managers of 168 Philly-area office properties reached a new 4-year contract.

Outside 1515 Market Street Tuesday afternoon, members of the 32BJ SEIU union voted to authorize a strike should contract negotiations stall.

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Outside 1515 Market Street Tuesday afternoon, members of the 32BJ SEIU union voted to… more

"We are happy we able to reach this tentative agreement without any work stoppage," said Bob Martin, president of the Building Owners Labor Relations of Philadelphia. "It's a victory for BOLR members, tenants and workers."

The members of 32BJ Service Employees International Union were prepared to walk off the job if a deal was not made before the current contract expired at 11:59 p.m. Thursday.

The custodians and other building maintenance employees must approve the contract with a ratification vote, scheduled for Wednesday, according to the union.

During the past six weeks of negotiations, 32BJ SEIU leaders made it clear higher pay was desired and often pointed to the commercial real estate market's condition – an improvement since 2011 when the last 4-year contract was agreed upon – as one of the reasons an increase was warranted.

Management introduced its wage proposals for the first time Tuesday – the same day union members voted to authorize a strike. The newly agreed upon pay scale was not disclosed, although union leaders called it a "fair wage increase."

"We are happy that BOLR was willing to work together to maintain these good jobs and keep Philadelphia moving in the right direction," said Gabe Morgan, 32BJ SEIU vice president and Pa. director.

The last contract, which also came together in the 11th hour, offered an average rate of $16 an hour.

A rise in healthcare costs and a pension freeze were two other points of contention. The union challenged both proposals and management relented, according to 32BJ SEIU.

"Thanks to this contract we can rest assured taht we'll be able to provide for our families, take care of our health and retire with dignity," said Juanita Acree, a cleaner at Liberty Place.

BOLR President Bob Martin added: "While BOLR is aware of the economic challenges facing union members, this agreement balances the concerns of both parties in a fair and appropriate manner."

The two sides began talks on Sept. 3. with members of 32BJ SEIU staging several rallies– including one that included Democratic mayoral candidate Jim Kenney and City Council President Darrell Clarke – over the past six weeks to draw attention to the bargaining.

Source: Philadelphia Business Journal