New four-year collective bargaining agreements are delivering raises for about 2,200 union janitors and security guards in Portland. 

“It’s the largest wage increase we’ve ever won, at least over the last 15 years. It’s a really, really great settlement,” said Local 49 Executive Director Maggie Long. 

Service Employees International Union Local 49 represents about 800 security guards and 1,400 janitors in the Portland metro area. Members work under the terms of master agreements that set wages and benefits for multiple union-signatory contractors. 

JANITORIAL: Under the previous union contract for janitors, the starting wage was $15.80 an hour in the Portland area ($0.35 above minimum wage). Under the new contract, that starting wage rose July 1 to $16.45 ($0.50 above minimum wage) and will reach $18.55 by 2028 (at that point it’s likely to be $1 over minimum wage, depending on inflation — Oregon’s minimum wage is indexed to inflation.) The union contract sets out a wage scale under which janitors with two years experience were formerly getting at least $18 an hour; that will rise to $23 an hour by the end of the contract. Local 49 said 39% of janitors now earn at least $20 an hour as of July 1; that’s thanks to longevity and differential pay provisions that add to top pay rates.

“We’re really proud of that number. That’s some, I would say, life-changing economics for many of our members,” Long said. 

The contract also protects janitors’ right not to cross a union picket line.

SECURITY: Meanwhile, under the previous agreement, the minimum wage rate for security guards was $15.95 in Oregon and $15.75 in Washington. The new contract raises the minimum in both states to $18 as of Jan. 1, 2025. Local 49 spokesperson Alan Dubinsky said total wages for security guards depend on many factors, but whatever rate they were earning, the new contract raises their wages across the board by $3.60 an hour, starting with an $0.80 raise July 1, followed by $1, $0.90, and $0.90 in subsequent years. 

Union janitors also have an employer-funded pension. And both groups also have employer-paid employee-only health coverage provided through a union-sponsored trust.

The new contracts expire June 30, 2028.

UNION-SIGNATORY CONTRACTORS

Janitorial

• Able
• ABM 
• ISS at Adidas
• NJSI
• Relay Resources (formerly PHC)
• Somers Building Maintenance
• ServiceMaster of Swan Island
• Skyline Building Maintenance
• State Building Maintenance
• Township United Building Services

Security

• Allied Universal Security Services
• G4S Secure Solutions
• Securitas Security Services
• Star Protective Agency
• US Security Associates