SEIU Local 1 janitors in St. Louis win strong new contract

Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 1 workers who keep St. Louis clean and safe have ratified a new three-year contract that guarantees good raises and long-overdue benefits. This contract affects nearly 1,600 SEIU Local 1 janitors throughout the greater St. Louis area.

Effective Jan. 1, 2023, these union janitors will receive a $1.85-per-hour increase to the minimum rate. Employees with six months of service who are above the minimum scale will receive increases of 50 cents, 60 cents, and $1. By Jan. 1, 2025, a vast majority of employees will be earning above $15 an hour.

Additionally, Local 1 janitors doubled their paid sick days from two days to four days, won Juneteenth as a paid holiday, and bargained strong language around union access, immigration rights, and non-discrimination in the workplace.

Members said this contract represents a significant step forward in improving Labor standards in St. Louis.

“After weeks of negotiations with management, we finally won a new contract that will support us and our families,” said Local 1 Janitor Marla Lacey. “Throughout the pandemic and beyond, my coworkers and I risked our health and safety to ensure our community stays safe, yet many of us were making poverty-level wages. We came together, we fought for what we deserved, and we won. I am so proud of my coworkers and bargaining team for getting this contract across the finish line.”