Broadway Cleaners Reach Tentative Deal, Avert Strike
So, there’s some good news for Broadway cleaners! They’ve reached a preliminary contract deal with the Broadway League, thanks to 32BJ SEIU, which means a strike has been avoided. This new four-year agreement includes a $5 hourly wage hike—about a 21% increase—better paid leave, and family health care funded by employers. They also secured improved pension benefits, stronger anti-discrimination policies, and Juneteenth as a paid holiday. The deal was wrapped up late Wednesday and is now pending union member approval. Negotiations kicked off in early June, and on June 30, cleaners voted to allow a strike for the first time in 18 years. Denis Johnston from the union pointed out the concerns about inflation and housing, while Martha Aristizabal, a veteran porter, emphasized how crucial this win is after the pandemic challenges.
Key facts
- Tentative agreement reached late Wednesday between Broadway cleaners and Broadway League.
- Deal includes $5/hour wage increases, a 21% rise from current rates, over four years.
- Improved paid leave, protected employer-paid family health care, enhanced pension benefits.
- Juneteenth added as a paid holiday; anti-discrimination practices strengthened.
- Union members must ratify the deal; negotiations began in early June.
- Cleaners voted to authorize a strike for the first time in 18 years at a June 30 rally.
- 32BJ SEIU represents over 250 cleaners across shows like Chicago, Aladdin, Schmigadoon.
- Denis Johnston cited high inflation and housing costs as key issues.
Entities
Artists
- Martha Aristizabal
Institutions
- 32BJ SEIU
- Broadway League
- The Hollywood Reporter
- Ambassador Theater
Locations
- New York City
- United States