Union custodians in Minnesota went on a three-day strike last week in an effort to secure a new contract with improved pay and benefits in an effort that could soon prove pivotal. As reported by KSTP-TV, SEIU Local 26 in the Twin Cities now face a vote in which the over 4,000 custodians represented will vote on a new deal.

The strike culminated in a bargaining session that took place last weekend. The 20-hour affair led to the following proposals in a new tentative contract:

• 401K and life insurance covered by employers

• Increased time off for holidays and sick leave

• An increase in pay to $20 hourly, representing a 17 percent rise over the duration the contract.

In related news dozens of union custodians in Cleveland rallied in late February for the launch of a contract campaign to improve working conditions as their current deal expires. Read more on that here.