Broadway cleaners win tentative contract, including anti-discrimination measure
Broadway cleaners represented by 32BJ SEIU reached a tentative agreement with the Broadway League July 8, averting a strike that could have affected 30 theaters across the district. The post Broadway cleaners win tentative contract, including anti-discrimination measure appeared first on New York Amsterdam News.
Black News 
Broadway cleaners represented by 32BJ SEIU reached a tentative agreement with the Broadway League July 8, averting a strike that could have affected 30 theaters across the district.
The deal will still need to be ratified by 32BJ SEIU members next week, but the tentative agreement covers about 250 cleaners working in theaters operated by ATG, Nederlander, Shubert, and Circle in the Square. It would cover workers who clean theaters hosting Broadway productions such as “Chicago,” “Aladdin,” “Schmigadoon,” and “Cats: The Jellicle Ball.”
The four-year tentative agreement includes $5-an-hour wage increases by the end of the contract, totaling a 21% raise; substantial improvements to the defined-benefit pension; continued comprehensive, fully employer-paid family health care; improved paid leave and working conditions; Juneteenth as a paid holiday; and strengthened anti-discrimination protections.
The tentative agreement came on the heels of the first strike authorization vote by Broadway cleaners in 18 years. Union members had been pressing for wage increases that keep up with New York City’s cost of living, stronger retirement security, improvements to paid leave, better working conditions, and protections against discrimination.
The last contract between The Broadway League, which negotiates on behalf of theater owners and operators, and 32BJ SEIU expired June 28 while bargaining was still underway. The union represents cleaners, porters, matrons, restroom attendants, custodians and other building service workers who keep theaters running.
The tentative agreement comes during a record-breaking Broadway season. The Broadway League said the 2025-2026 season grossed $1.91 billion, sold 14.6 million tickets, and filled 90.8% of available seats.
32BJ SEIU Executive Vice President Denis Johnston said the agreement was won through organizing “at the bargaining table and in the streets.” “By showing our union power at the bargaining table and in the streets, we were able to secure the strong agreement that Broadway’s essential cleaners need and deserve,” Johnston said. “This victory includes historic wage increases, pension increases, and expanding paid leave – all while protecting fully employer-paid family health care. Together, we fought and we won!”
The post Broadway cleaners win tentative contract, including anti-discrimination measure appeared first on New York Amsterdam News.
