HARTFORD – The union representing a cleaning vendor that laid off workers when it took over services at the Connecticut Science Center in late 2024 reached an agreement Tuesday that restores those employees’ jobs, benefits and wages.
32BJ SEIU announced the agreement with Burgos Cleaning Services LLC, which will now recognize the union.
“We’re incredibly pleased to reach this conclusion after several months of fighting for our workers,” said Rochelle Palache, vice president and state director, 32BJ SEIU. “The cleaners’ tireless work to maintain the Center is essential so that the community can learn and enjoy themselves in a safe, clean, and healthy environment. We’re excited to see them return to their posts and continue their positive contribution to one of Hartford’s most impactful institutions.”
The union worked with the displaced workers and other union members to draw attention to the loss of the workers’ jobs through public demonstrations and actions. That included
frequent rallies and demonstrations outside of the Center, support from elected officials, and circulating a petition calling on Burgos to rehire the workers.
“It was a long struggle, but thankfully, we are back in our jobs,” said Juan Carlos Rodriguez, a reinstated worker at the Science Center. “I want to extend my gratitude to our union, which stayed on top of everything and supported our actions and demonstrations, and the public whose support made us feel happy and motivated.”
