After four weeks of striking, Houston janitors have won a contract!And here:
Houston janitors with the SEIU announced today at City Hall that they've won a contract. A really energetic group of janitors and supporters gathered for the 4pm press conference to announce the news. Mayor Bill White was there to express his support for the janitors and their push for better wages.
Everybody was so excited! Janitors, SEIU organizers, and community supporters were hugging and crying, giving thank yous and congratulations.
The Janitors won a victory today to be announced later tonight in detail. But the gist of it is:Way to go! I've no doubt at all that the widespread blog coverage and general outrage at the Houston police and their treatment of the janitors had a lot to do with the cleaning firms' decisions to return to the negotiating table after days of recalcitrance.
- they will now be under a contract
- over the next three years they will go up gradually to $7.75
- over the next three years they will get more benefits and full time status with at least 30 hours per week
At the announcement at City Hall, Mayor White thanked the hard work of various downtown building owners in reaching the agreement, singling one out as an MVP, despite years of oppressive treatment of these workers.
There will be celebration tonight at the George R. Brown Convention Center.
Next up: justice for those who were trampled by horses and abused in custody. Let's see Mayor White, a Democrat, do something about that!
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