A union that represents nearly 11,000 janitors in the Boston region ended a three-week strike yesterday when it reached a tentative five-year contract that provides 30 percent salary increases and health insurance for some part-time janitors.þþThe labor officials, from Local 254 of the Service Employees International Union, hailed the agreement, saying it was hard to persuade the cleaning companies to grant health coverage to any part-time workers. þþUnder the accord, reached with 30 companies, 1,000 part-time workers in the largest buildings are to receive health insurance fully paid by the employers.þþThe union proposals for insurance for part-time workers was the main issue in the dispute. More than three-fourths of the unionized janitors work part time. The full-time janitors already receive health insurance.þþThe deputy trustee of Local 254, Rocio Saenz, said, ÿWe've shown that our community expects big corporations to provide health benefits and that workers can take a stand on this issue and win.ÿþþIn the strike, the union asked workers at 97 buildings to walk out. Nearly 2,000 did.þþThe union had widespread public support, from the clergy, from college students and from politicians, including the state's two senators, Edward M. Kennedy and John Kerry, both Democrats.þþUnder the pact, pay will rise to $12.95 an hour for most janitors, with the most senior receiving $13.15. Part-time and full-time workers will receive the same rate.þþUnder the old contract, part-time workers received $9.95 and full-time workers $10.20. That compares with $17 an hour in New York, $15 in San Francisco and $12.50 in Chicago. þþFor the first time, the janitors will receive two paid sick days a year.þþThe workers are scheduled to vote on the contract in the next week.þþþ
Source: NY Times
