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State Representative Jim Davnie
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-0173
For more information contact: Nick Halter 651-297-1934
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A Breakthrough for Window Cleaners
State Rep. Jim Davnie (DFL- Minneapolis) introduced HF 3824 today protecting window cleaners. The measure comes after three deaths in the industry over the past several years. Davnie worked with members of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 26 to develop this legislation. The bill creates a stakeholders taskforce to meet and develop safety standards for the industry and looks to amend the state building code to enhance washer safety. It will also figure out how to develop training, education, and licensure standards for both companies and workers while coordinating any initiatives with OSHA regulations.
"Window cleaners need to have the equipment and training to do their jobs safely. In the past two years three workers have lost their lives. We must not allow one more death to occur," said Dino Crandall, Window Cleaner SEIU Local 26.
Davnie said the taskforce will incorporate the concerns of cleaners like Dino who want to see their employers use sensible business practices.
“Window cleaners have suffered from hazardous work conditions for too long," said Davnie. “This is a step toward correcting that problem. The men and women who keep our skyscrapers clean shouldn’t have to worry about faulty equipment or suspect safety guidelines.”
Recently, SEIU Local 26 was locked out during their contract negotiations after they raised safety concerns at the bargaining table. Within a week they got an agreement that included a $3 wages raise over five years and a boost in pension funds. Davnie joined the workers during the lockout for protests regarding the industry’s safety record. This record is especially poor in Minnesota. Across the United States three to four window cleaners die every year. But in our state alone, three deaths came in two and a half years.
“The high rate of accidents related to window cleaning in Minnesota is unacceptable,” said Davnie. “Window cleaners perform a vital service for residents of the city and deserve our respect. We can honor the memory of the workers who passed away by ensuring their colleagues finally get proper protection while working.”
Window cleaners are looking forward to getting started and are excited that someone in the Legislature has listened to their concerns.
“We appreciate Representative Davnie for stepping up to author this legislation and make sure window cleaners can do their jobs safely,” said James Miller, window cleaner SEIU Local 26.
Commissioner Sviggum of the state Department of Labor and Industry has indicated his willingness to convene the stakeholders group.
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