RESOLUTION FOR BOARD MEETING OF MAY 18, 2023
Title
RESOLUTION sponsored by the Board of Commissioners recognizing the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 1 Green Janitor Education Program
Body
WHEREAS, in February of 2020, Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 1 members initiated the Chicago model of the Green Janitor Education Program (GJEP). Designed to promote ecologically responsive cleaning procedures in commercial spaces, the pilot program is an extension of the GJEP created in California in 2014; and
WHEREAS, instruction in the GJEP entails a 30-hour curriculum which incorporates information regarding energy and water conservation, health and safety, green cleaning, and waste diversion. During the program, janitors learn the importance of these practices in addition to receiving training on implementation techniques; and
WHEREAS, the launch of the GJEP pilot in Chicago focused on the SEIU Local 1’s commitment to being a member-led union through the employment of union members as instructors. With decades of combined janitorial experience, GJEP instructors are making history as SEIU’s first member-instructors program; and
WHEREAS, according to a study conducted, 76% of GJEP buildings saw a decrease in energy and water usage. Additionally, energy usage is 5.6% lower in GJEP buildings than in non-GJEP buildings. Separately, among the participants in the GJEP, 80% reported employing the green practices mutually at work and at home; and
WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (District) salutes the work of SEIU Local 1 members. As a demonstration of support, members of the District’s Board of Commissioners will attend a GJEP graduation honoring the participants as well as the member-instructors and union staff involved in this program; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that we, the Board of Commissioners of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, on behalf of ourselves and our staff, do hereby recognize the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 1 Green Janitor Education Program; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this Resolution be spread upon the permanent Record of Proceedings of the Board of Commissioners of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago.
Dated: May 18, 2023