Downtown janitors, security guards get expanded health benefits

About 11,000 janitors and security guards at downtown office buildings will receive expanded health benefits under a revised labor agreement announced Monday.

The agreement is between the Building Owners and Managers Association of Chicago and Service Employees International Union Local 1. The union is an investor in Sun-Times Media.

Despite a decline in business activity, the janitors and security guards are essential employees and continue working under Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s executive order dealing with the coronavirus.

Key changes include additional and more flexible time off, said both parties in the deal.

“No one should have to choose between their health and their job, and this agreement reflects the long-term commitment both of our organizations share to keeping Chicagoans healthy,” SEIU Local 1 President Tom Balanoff said.

“We are grateful to the janitorial and security staffs in our buildings for the essential services they provide, particularly now,” said Michael Cornicelli, BOMA Chicago executive vice president.