Chris Rak, Vice President and Director for Missouri and Southern Illinois at Service Employees International Union Local 1, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the ongoing contract negotiations for janitorial workers in the St. Louis region. SEIU Local 1, represents over 43,000 service employees with approximately 6,000 members in Missouri and Southern Illinois.
Rak began by discussing the difficulty SEIU Local 1 faces in contract negotiations, particularly around economic issues. While progress was made on non-economic items, Rak said the employer’s wage proposals leave janitors making only slightly above the new state minimum wage that takes effect Jan. 1. Many veteran janitors are currently earning $15 an hour, which will soon become the minimum wage, meaning long-term workers will see minimal to no real increase. Considering inflation and cost-of-living pressures, Rak argued that these workers, who kept buildings safe and clean throughout the pandemic, deserve substantially more than being relegated to the ranks of the working poor.
Closely related to wages, retirement benefits were another sticking point in negotiations. Rak described how the current pension contributions from employers amount to just 28 cents per hour, far too low for a dignified retirement after years of service. The most recent offer from employers included only a minor increase, delayed until 2028. Rak said the workers deserve more respect and better financial support, pointing out that only pennies more per square foot in cleaning costs could make a significant difference in the workers’ lives. He emphasized that respectful raises and retirement security must be at the center of any fair agreement.
Finally, Rak discussed their strategy and the support they have received, both locally and nationally. While the union is considering all options—including a possible labor dispute—to encourage contractors to take workers’ demands seriously, there is strong public backing, he said. He noted deep ties between janitors and building occupants, with many in the broader community expressing support during rallies and actions. Rak also touched on the national reach and influence of the SEIU, expressing confidence that, if needed, union colleagues in other cities would rally in support. He closed by stressing that the fight for justice is more urgent than ever, as these primarily minority workers deserve a way to fight back and improve their circumstances through the power of collective action.
For more from Rak on the negotiations to ensure janitorial workers are given a living wage and respect on the job, listen to the full episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast above.