Boston, MA– Negotiations for a new, multi-year contract began today between Boston University (BU) and 32BJ SEIU District 615 the largest property service union in the country. The contract covers over 700 custodians, mailroom operators, groundskeepers and skilled trades workers who maintain and repair nearly 300 buildings throughout the BU campus.
“These workers help to make BU a top-notch university,” said Roxana Rivera, Director of 32BJ SEIU District 615. “At a time of increasing economic inequality, these are the kind of good middle-class jobs that not only make BU strong but help the entire Boston region thrive.”
Boston, according to the Brookings Institute, is now the 4th most unequal city in America and the 10th most expensive while Boston University’s financial outlook is strong. BU has over 12 months of reserves, $2 billion in capital assets and an additional $2 billion in reserves.
According to the rating agency Moody’s, “BU’s sustained improvement in its student market and research profile following years of strategic governance and leadership changes that have elevated BU to a more competitive position.”
Major issues include fair wage increases to keep up with the rising cost of living, maintaining affordable family health care and ensuring adequate funds for retirement.
With more than 145,000 members in 11 states and Washington DC, including 18,000 members in the Boston Area, 32BJ is the largest property service workers union in the country.
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