Minneapolis Union Workers Strike to Win Higher Wages and Green Education

On February 27, 2020, thousands of Minneapolis janitors, represented by Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 26, conducted a one-day strike targeting major downtown commercial buildings. This action is recognized as one of the first union-authorized climate strikes in the United States. The janitors, predominantly immigrants and people of color, demanded that their employers take concrete steps to address climate change, including implementing green cleaning initiatives to reduce carbon emissions from the buildings they maintain.

While this is not a formal policy, it is a noteworthy example of labor-led climate action that demonstrates how organized worker power can drive environmental and social change, laying the groundwork for future policy innovations rooted in justice.

The strike resulted in a new contract that incorporated several environmental and worker-focused provisions:

• Green Cleaning Program: Funding for initiatives aimed at reducing waste, water, and energy consumption, and transitioning away from toxic chemicals, thereby lowering the carbon footprint of the serviced buildings.
• Wage Increases: A $2.20 raise over four years for full-time workers, equating to a 13% increase.
• Improved Health Benefits: Reduced health insurance costs for individuals and children.
• Enhanced Sick Leave: Expansion to six paid sick days by the second year of the contract for senior full-time workers.
• Sexual Harassment Policies: Incorporation of comprehensive sexual harassment policies into the contract.

This groundbreaking strike demonstrated the potential of labor unions to advocate for environmental justice alongside traditional labor issues, highlighting the interconnectedness of worker rights and climate action. Summary sourced from CommonDreams.org and LaborNotes.org

Policy Analysis

Does the policy solution re-distribute power from mainstream institutions to impacted Black communities?

While the strike was led by a diverse group of workers, including immigrants and people of color, it did not specifically focus on redistributing power to Black communities. However, by successfully negotiating environmental and labor improvements, the action sets a precedent for how organized labor can challenge mainstream institutions and advocate for policies that may benefit all marginalized communities, including Black populations.

Does this policy provide more decision-making power at the hands of Black communities?

The strike itself did not directly transfer decision-making power to Black communities. Nonetheless, it exemplifies a model where workers from marginalized backgrounds can collectively influence corporate policies. This approach can inspire Black workers and communities to organize and demand a seat at the table in decision-making processes that affect their environments and livelihoods.

Does the policy undermine extractive economies like capitalism and restore community power around a local and regenerative economy/primary production?

By advocating for green cleaning initiatives and reducing the carbon footprint of corporate buildings, the strike challenges the traditional extractive practices of capitalist economies. It promotes a shift towards more sustainable and regenerative practices within the cleaning industry, emphasizing environmental responsibility over profit maximization.

Does the policy repair past harm and uphold civil and human rights, health, and environmental protections?

The new contract addresses environmental concerns and improves working conditions, contributing to the health and well-being of the janitors. While it does not directly address historical injustices faced by Black communities, the inclusion of green initiatives and better labor conditions supports broader efforts to uphold civil and human rights and environmental protections, which can have positive ripple effects in various communities.

Analysis developed by Natalie Rivas