In what is being called a ‘big victory for janitors,’ a settlement was reached Wednesday, granting health insurance to 1,000 janitors who went on strike nearly three weeks ago, according to Sylvia Panfil, spokewoman for the Service Employees International Union Local 254.
Along with the increase in health insurance, the settlement gives 8,000 janitors two sick days per year and a pay hike that will increase their hourly wage to an average of $12.95 a 30 percent increase. The janitors will also be the recipients of a fund to provide them with English teachers, Panfil said.
Major businesses in Boston, primarily John Hancock Financial Services and FleetBoston Financial Core, said they were more than willing to bear some of the financial brunt due to the janitors’ increased wages, according to a media representative from John Hancock.
According to Panfil, the settlement, which still needs to be ratified, will be voted on within the next few days by the members who work under the contract.
The janitorial strike, which affected almost 100 buildings in Boston, was set to culminate in a large protest yesterday. That protest, however, was changed to a victory rally when the announcement of the settlement reached the janitors.
The Boston Student Labor Action Project, a student organization that protested on numerous occasions on behalf of the janitor’s cause, organized the victory rally. SLAP is composed of students throughout the Boston area ranging from Emerson College to Boston University.
In a press release, SLAP representative Mandie Yanasak said, ‘It’s been really exciting to watch students from across the city and the country mobilize in support of the janitors.’
SLAP is determined to maintain its strong support for janitors saying they will ‘continue to stand with the janitors as they build and strengthen their union.’
The SEIU is equally motivated.
‘We are very pleased about the settlement because it shows how the entire community is supportive of the working community,’ Panfil said. ‘The ultimate goal, however, is to make sure that all janitors receive health insurance.’