Rappelling down skyscrapers to clean windows is already a very dangerous job. But during the COVID-19 pandemic, high-rise window cleaners with SEIU Local 26 in Minneapolis were also sent into office buildings to disinfect “hot spots” where outbreaks had occurred, resulting in many workers contracting the disease. Now, after their previous contract expired, 40 window cleaners have walked off the job, demanding pay increases, reduced health care costs, as well as a state-recognized apprenticeship program that would guarantee better training and safety measures for workers in their trade. In this mini-cast, we talk with Eric Crone, a window cleaner who works for Columbia Building Services and union steward.
Additional links/info below…
- SEIU Local 26 website, Facebook page, and Twitter page
- Luis Feliz Leon, LaborNotes, “Striking Window Cleaners Want Their Dangerous Job Recognized as a Skilled Trade“
- Pafoua Yang, CBS Minnesota, “‘All We Want Is A Fair Wage, Some Respect & Proper Training’: High Rise Window Washers Go On Strike”
Featured Music (all songs sourced from the Free Music Archive: freemusicarchive.org)
Jules Taylor, “Working People Theme Song”
This post was originally published on The Real News Network.