Three hundred janitors employed by GDI Integrated Facility Services in the Halifax area could walk off the job next Monday if ongoing contract negotiations fail to reach an agreement. The workers, represented by SEIU Local 2, have been without a contract since September 2024 and are seeking improvements to wages, benefits, and job security.
A final conciliation meeting is scheduled for Thursday, January 23. If no resolution is reached, the strike will begin January 27, with a mass rally planned at Purdy’s Wharf.
The workers, who clean nearly 50 properties across Halifax, including the Ferry Terminals, Halifax Shopping Centre, and RCMP headquarters in Dartmouth, are demanding wage increases that reflect the rising cost of living. Current wages range from $15.60 to $16.45 per hour, just above Nova Scotia’s minimum wage of $15.20. Other demands include access to health benefits, retirement security, and protections against subcontracting and unfair workloads.
“Two-thirds of workers do not qualify for health benefits,” said Omar Joof, a cleaner and member of the union’s bargaining committee. “All workers deserve the peace of mind of having benefits and shouldn’t be forced to choose between paying for medications and rent.”
Momentum appears to be building among employees. Over the weekend, 170 workers attended strike preparedness training in Halifax, with many publicly pledging to join picket lines. Joof noted that the gathering was the largest union meeting hotel staff at the venue had ever seen.
Union members overwhelmingly approved a strike mandate in November 2024, citing frustration over stalled negotiations. According to the union, GDI has not responded to their proposals during the last two bargaining sessions, including the first conciliation meeting.
“GDI workers in Toronto, Ottawa, and Vancouver have most of these things we are asking for,” said cleaner and union member John Paluku. “Why is GDI leaving Nova Scotian workers behind? We’ve seen the highest cost of living increases in the country. We will not be bullied into accepting a substandard contract.”
SEIU Local 2, which represents 20,000 workers across Canada, said the strike would mark the Halifax region’s first large-scale private-sector janitorial strike if it proceeds.
