GAO Contracted Janitors Authorize Strike

Dozens of contracted cleaners at the Government Accountability Office have voted to authorize a strike to protest their employer’s proposal to stop paying into the workers’ pension fund. Their union says the decision by Creative Management Technologies (CMT) would undermine retirement security for cleaners, many of whom have worked at the GAO for decades. “We do back-breaking work and deserve a future where we can make ends meet and support our families, said Loretta Cunningham-Pettus, who cleans GAO offices. “Our strike vote shows that we’re determined to do whatever it takes to someday retire with dignity.” SEIU Local 32BJ is in negotiations with CMT, a janitorial services subcontractor, for a contract that expires onAugust 30. “By trying to shortchange janitors, this federal contractor is setting a bad precedent within a key institution of American government for employers nationwide,” said 32BJ SEIU Vice President Jaime Contreras. “Nobody wants to strike, but these hard-working men and women are willing to do what’s necessary to support their families.”