Employees of GEMA Contractors Services, the company that provides exterior cleaning and grounds maintenance at the San Juan Veterans Hospital, voted overwhelmingly to join the Puerto Rican Workers Union (SPT), Local 1996 of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU). The vote, conducted over a two‑week period, resulted in 90 % of ballots cast in favor of union representation, according to union officials. The outcome allows the workers to begin negotiations for their first collective bargaining agreement. SPT President Israel Marrero Calderín said the result “marks a significant step in the employees’ efforts to secure improved working conditions and stronger workplace protections.” He added that the next step is for the employer to recognize the outcome and begin negotiating in good faith. The union will convene GEMA employees to select a bargaining committee that will represent them during contract negotiations with management. The SPT said it intends to pursue a prompt negotiating process aimed at establishing a labor agreement that addresses workers’ concerns and guarantees fair employment conditions. The vote expands union representation among personnel working at the Veterans Hospital, where most employees are already represented by labor organizations, the union said. Neither GEMA Contractors Services nor hospital officials immediately commented on the voting results. The company is expected to formally recognize the outcome before collective bargaining can begin.
Article source: San Juan Daily Star | Image credit: San Juan Daily Star