MINNEAPOLIS — Workers at three large condominium buildings here, members of Service Employees International Union Local 26, have been fighting to win a contract for over a year. To mark this, the union organized a rally and picnic Sept. 12.
At the rally the union announced that Riverview Towers, one of the buildings, had just agreed to a settlement the night before. Liv Ross, a desk attendant at the building, told the gathering they won a wage increase; the right to choose the union insurance plan, which costs almost 50% less than the company’s plan; and job security protection. Cleaners are also covered.
“This is an historic win, this is the first condo contract in Minneapolis,” Greg Nammacher, president of Local 26, told the Militant.
A number of Local 26 janitors and security officers who work in downtown office buildings joined in the festivities to show solidarity. The entire rally was translated into Spanish. A meal, both Mexican food and Middle Eastern food, was served to all. Negotiations continue with the owners of the other two condos.