Affiliate News

New data from the U.S.

A Jan. 1 strike of 10,000 union janitors on Long Island and throughout the tristate region has been averted after a tentative agreement with dozens of regional cleaning companies was reached late last month, union officials said.

Workers have achieved a victory thanks to the Biden administration’s efforts. Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su recently announced a new federal rule mandating project labor agreements (PLAs) for all federal contracts exceeding $35 million.

The contract, which covers about 370 workers in the highway, building, parks and other departments around the town, covers the period from Jan. 1, 2023 to Dec. 31, 2026, said Thomas McDonough, union president of the local CSEA unit.

Patrick Guidice, business manager of Local 1049, said 536 members voted in favor of the new contract, while 329 voted against it. There are 1,397 unionized PSEG workers, 907 of whom participated in the ratification vote, Guidice said. Approximately 40 votes were voided for technical reasons.

"We are thrilled and proud to tell you that today your TV/Theatrical Negotiating Committee voted unanimously to approve a tentative agreement with the AMPTP. As of 12:01am on November 9, our strike is officially suspended and all picket locations are closed.