DANBURY – The former cleaning contractor for ARKA Group has agreed to pay each of the 14 former custodians it terminated last year $5,000 in backpay, according to 32BJ SEIU, the union representing the displaced workers.
Horizon Services, a non-union cleaning contractor, was hired by the engineering and technological solutions defense and space manufacturer in July 2024. Horizon terminated the employment of the 14 workers immediately after ARKA replaced SMG, a union contractor, with Horizon.
32BJ SEIU represented the workers at ARKA Group.
ARKA Group has not issued a statement as of Tuesday, April 15.
After nearly a year of fighting for both union recognition and the reinstatement of workers’ jobs, the workers secured a settlement with ARKA’s janitorial contract ordering the backpay and the opportunity to reapply for their former jobs. Only, the jobs would be with yet another new cleaning contractor – Pritchard Industries.
“It’s a long-time coming, but after several months of rallies, fighting, and advocating for these workers, it’s heartening to have this be our outcome,” said Rochelle Palache, vice president of 32BJ SEIU and state director of Connecticut. “These workers had their worlds turned upside down due to the actions of ARKA and Horizon; it’s a testament to their patience, courage, and strength that we’ve reached this conclusion, where they receive this backpay and for several, the chance to go get back to work again.
Several of the displaced workers have been without a position for several months now, while others have taken union jobs elsewhere to make ends meet. A few workers applied to work for Horizon Services, the new contractor, but only one was made an offer of employment.
In mid-March, Horizon Services made the decision to withdraw its contract with ARKA and cease its relationship.
