(KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI) - Recently, Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 1-represented Janitors - who service more than 150 buildings in Kansas City, Missouri and Jackson County, have voted to ratify a strong, new contract covering 800 Members who care for the area’s most iconic public spaces - from Crown Center to Union Station to City Hall.

The three-year contract includes: Three years of guaranteed raises; Increased paid leave and additional protections around use of that paid leave; Improved bereavement leave; and Language protecting Workers’ Reassignment Rights.

Now, Local 1 Members can do the janitorial work that has a direct impact on the health, productivity and satisfaction of the tenants and residents who use these buildings throughout Kansas City, while knowing they are earning the wages and respect Working People deserve.

“I couldn’t be more proud of my fellow Janitors and the new contract we won,” said Ernesto Rodriguez, a Local 1-represented Janitor in Kansas City for six years. “Working People like us are struggling to make ends meet - but with this new contract, we are able to have a little more breathing room when having to pay our bills.”

Chris Rak, SEIU Local 1’s Vice President and the Union’s Missouri Director, said: “Local One essential Janitors throughout Kansas City and Jackson County were active for months to ensure a fair contract was won. Local One is a proud Member-led Union and these essential Janitors, along with the support from local Elected Officials and community groups, showed just how powerful Working People can be when they are united.”

For More On This Labor News Story, Go To: SEIU Local 1 Janitors Ratify New Kansas City Janitorial Contract Affecting ~800 Working Families — SEIU Local 1 And Kansas City SEIU janitors ratify new union contract that guarantees 3 years of raises | KCUR - Kansas City news and NPR