Janitors at the Service Employees International Union in Houston’s private sector are calling for an increase in hourly wages

The room was covered with signs in Spanish and English that read “$15 now.” That’s the requirement. Janitors say that as the prices of so many things in our area and nation rise, so should their wages.

Janitors in the Service Employees International Union are hoping for a new contract to secure higher wages. They made $15 a negotiating priority. The current private sector contract covers 2,800 caretakers, but it expires on May 31.

According to SEIU, Houston’s unionized janitors currently make an average of $10.75 an hour.

Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner is raising the minimum wage for janitors contracted by the city to $15 an hour, according to SEIU.

According to SEIU, Turner is calling on private sector employers to increase wages as well.

Efren Montes a janitor in the union. He was there on Saturday afternoon when the group gathered to make the request and try to make it a reality.

Monte says he is the main breadwinner in his household of seven.

“We need this raise because our families need this money and I think it’s a good thing to get everyone together here to see if we can get that, so it’s very important for our families,” Montes said.

As contracts are negotiated with private sector employers, Montes hopes this becomes a reality. He says the extra pay would go a long way.

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