4200 Janitors represented by SEIU Local 26 have reached a tentative agreement with several cleaning companies in the Twin Cities! Last fall, janitors declared their commitment to a contract that included affordable health care coverage, more full time work, better wages, and greater respect for the largely immigrant work force. The agreement reached with cleaning companies will provide affordable coverage for individuals and families, move more workers into part time work, increase wages, and establish opportunities for Muslim workers to pray in accord with their tradition. WIN leaders stood in solidarity with Local 26 members and the rest of the community. In November, we began our work on the campaign by sending a delegation of board members to meet with a building owner. We participated in walks through the Minneapolis skyway to raise awareness about the issue in December, and helped sponsor a forum on job discrimination in the Somali community that included janitorial workers. In January, WIN leaders attended the meeting at which janitors authorized a strike; took part in an action to compel building owners to get involved in securing a strong contract; passed out flyers in the skyway at lunch time; joined janitors for a rally and march through the skyways on the eve of a new round of negotiations; and led “teach-ins” at the University of St. Thomas. On the last day of negotiations, we were proud to be in the same room with members of the bargaining committee as they shared their stories about what they had gained at the bargaining table and the new sense of power and respect they felt after months of negotiating and organizing. Workers gather on February 10 for a formal vote on the contract.