Cleaners represented by SEIU Local 2 have successfully ratified a new contract with GDI Integrated Facility Services in the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM). This agreement comes at a critical moment as the union's 300 members were on the brink of a potential strike scheduled for Monday, which would have marked the first-ever large-scale private sector janitorial strike in the region. The negotiations and eventual deal highlight the importance of collective bargaining for workers in the janitorial industry.
The newly ratified contract secures notable pay increases for the cleaning staff, with hourly wages set to increase by 50 to 75 cents. Specifically, workers will receive a 75-cent wage hike in April, followed by an additional 75-cent increase in 2026. Furthermore, the contract includes a significant provision that ensures annual wage increases are at least equivalent to the rises in the minimum wage, providing added financial security for the workers. Alongside these financial benefits, the collective agreement introduces a range of enhancements designed to improve working conditions and security for the cleaners.
Among the additional improvements outlined in the contract are stronger protections for job security and fair pay practices. The new agreement also features a more robust policy regarding winter jackets for employees who work outdoors, ensuring they are properly equipped for harsh weather conditions. Moreover, the contract enhances premium pay provisions and introduces a pension plan that will commence in 2027, further contributing to the long-term benefits available to workers in this industry.
Matthew Fielding, a GDI employee with nearly three years of experience, expressed his satisfaction with the outcome of the negotiations. He commended everyone involved in the bargaining process, stating, “I think everybody, from people who were bargaining, to everybody who was involved and showed up, and showed that there was support for this, it’s a win for everybody.” Fielding emphasized the significance of standing firm during negotiations, which he believes led to a better agreement for all involved.
The GDI cleaners serve at almost fifty different properties throughout Halifax. Their work includes maintaining cleanliness at critical locations such as ferry terminals, commercial offices—including Purdy’s Wharf—shopping malls like Halifax Shopping Centre and Mic Mac Mall, and significant government facilities such as the RCMP headquarters located in Dartmouth. This wide range of workplaces underscores the essential role that these workers play in maintaining public and commercial hygiene standards.
The new contract is set to expire on March 31, 2027, marking a definitive timeline for the terms agreed upon during this round of negotiations. The contract’s expiration date serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for advocacy and collective action among workers in the janitorial sector, as they continue to seek fair treatment and compensation for their labor in an industry often characterized by low wages and precarious employment conditions.
