Washington, D.C. — 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. The decision by Creative Management Technologies 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.”

32BJ of the Service Employees International Union is in negotiations with janitorial services subcontractor Creative Management Technology for a contract that expires on August 30, 2016. Congress relies on the GAO for thorough investigations and audits of federal initiatives.

“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.”

With more than 155,000 members in 11 states, including 15,000 in the D.C. Metropolitan Area, 32BJ SEIU is the largest property service workers union in the country.

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