SEIU Local 1 SLU Custodian Responds to University’s Plan to Move All Staff to $15 By 2024

Front-line custodians, groundskeepers ready to fight for strong new contract, end to outsourcing on campus 

ST. LOUIS - The following is a statement from SEIU Local 1 SLU custodian Bertha Hollins regarding Saint Louis University’s plan to move all full-time employees to at least $15 an hour by 2024. SEIU Local 1 custodians and groundskeepers head into bargaining for a new contract for 150 SLU workers tomorrow, November 18: 

“Last year, SEIU Local 1 janitors across our region launched the fight for One St. Louis - $15 and good union jobs to make our region more equitable across racial lines. It’s clear our message is resonating, especially as essential janitors and custodians work hard to protect the public from COVID-19. 

“But the urgency of the rapidly worsening COVID-19 crisis means workers on the front lines of this pandemic cannot wait until 2024 for a $15 living wage. Custodians and other essential workers who keep our community healthy will fight for a faster path to $15 as well as an end to outsourcing, which lowers pay and harms all working people at the university. 

“We head into the bargaining table on November 18 ready to fight for One St. Louis and the strong new contract we need to support and protect our families. We urge SLU to work with us to address these issues so we can continue to keep students and faculty safe, clean and healthy during this unprecedented crisis.” 

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Service Employees International Union Local 1 unites 50,000 workers throughout the Midwest, including janitors, security officers, airport workers, higher education faculty, food service workers and others. Local 1 is committed to improving the lives of its members and all working people by winning real economic justice and standing at the forefront of the fight for immigrant, racial and environmental justice.