Marching for protest

Last Monday, Oct. 2 marked National Custodial Workers Recognition Day, an annual celebration of the often-overlooked frontline workers who keep buildings safe, hospitable and clean all over the globe. For some custodians, it serves as the perfect opportunity for them to voice concerns for just pay, reasonable hours, and getting the overall work conditions they deserve. Such was the case for custodial union 32BJ SEIU located in Washington D.C. As reported by WTOP, a large group of custodians representing the union organized a march through downtown D.C. for higher pay and other improvements to their contract.

The union is in an ongoing dispute with the Washington Service Contractors association, which represents 24 business throughout Baltimore and Washington D.C. As it stands, the current contract between the two sides expires on Oct. 15, and 32BJ is pushing back on association demands to reduce five-hour shifts down to four — a decision that would reduce custodial wages by 20 percent while still having the same expectations to clean facilities with less time to do so. 

In addition to keeping the five-hour shift standard, the union is also demanding hourly rages north of $20, similar to what nearby cities such as Philadelphia are paying custodians. As it stands, D.C. custodians within the union are collecting $17.95 hourly. With inflation rampant and rent costs increasing, the union notes that a rise in pay is essential to afford basic amenities. 

While efforts are ongoing to find a solution, the two sides are reportedly still far off on wage talks. The union has emphasized that if a deal is not reached by the Oct. 15 deadline, a strike is imminent.