If you`re a 32BJ member or just interested in union contracts, you may have heard about the tentative agreement reached between the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) and the Realty Advisory Board (RAB) in December 2020. So, what does this agreement mean for 32BJ members?

First, let`s start with some background. 32BJ SEIU represents over 175,000 property service workers across the East Coast, including cleaners, maintenance staff, and security officers. Every four years, the union negotiates a new contract with the RAB, which represents the building owners and managers.

The previous contract expired on April 20, 2020, but negotiations were delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The two sides finally reached a tentative agreement on December 9, 2020, after months of protests and demonstrations by 32BJ members.

So, what`s in the tentative agreement? Here are some highlights:

– Wage increases: The agreement includes wage increases of 2.5% per year for the four-year contract, which is retroactive to April 20, 2020. That means workers will receive a raise for the months they worked without a contract.

– Improved benefits: The agreement also includes improvements to healthcare and retirement benefits. For example, healthcare premiums will not increase for the first two years of the contract, and there will be a new dental benefit for members who previously did not have one.

– Job security: The tentative agreement includes provisions to protect workers` jobs in case of a change in building ownership or management. It also includes language to protect workers from harassment and discrimination.

– COVID-19 protections: The agreement includes protections for workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, such as paid sick leave for workers who are quarantined or have symptoms.

It`s important to note that this is a tentative agreement, which means it still needs to be ratified by 32BJ members and the RAB. Members will have the opportunity to vote on the agreement in early 2021.

Overall, the tentative agreement represents a significant victory for 32BJ members, who have been fighting for a fair contract for months. The wage increases and improved benefits will help workers and their families, and the job security provisions provide peace of mind during an uncertain time.

If you`re a 32BJ member, make sure to stay informed about the ratification process and have your voice heard through the voting process. And if you`re not a member, consider joining the fight for fair wages and working conditions for all workers.