More than 10,0000 janitors and security guards that work in some of Chicago's downtown office buildings are to receive improved health benefits under a new agreement reached Monday.

The agreement was struck between the union representing the workers, Service Employees International Union Local 1, and Building Owners and Managers Associations of Chicago, reports the Chicago Sun-Times.

The agreement also grants the workers (all of whom have been declared "essential employees") more time off.

The improvements to employee benefits come at a fantastic time, as some of these workers have had to make the choice between their job and their health, says SEIU Local 1 President Tom Balanoff.