L.A. Car Wash Workers Sign Industry's First Union Contract

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Thirty Southern California car wash workers have become the first in the business to sign a union contract -- and organizers are hoping more will follow suit.

The CLEAN Carwash Campaign announced on Tuesday that employees at the Bonus Car Wash in Santa Monica signed a two-year agreement that will improve work conditions in an industry with a history of labor violations. It is the first contract won by CLEAN, which stands for the Community Labor Environmental Action Network.

"We're really excited to finally have a union car wash in L.A. County where people can go and get their cars washed with a clean conscience," Chloe Osmer, acting director of the CLEAN campaign, told In These Times.

According to the contract, which the AFL-CIO helped secure, workers at Bonus Car Wash will see a 2 percent wage increase. In addition to health and safety measures, the contract prohibits the employer from firing workers without just cause or discharging those who voice safety hazard concerns. There is also a grievance and arbitration procedure to settle disputes.

"We are looking forward to a partnership with the United Steelworkers that will make our business stronger and improve the opportunities and job satisfaction for all of our employees," Mike Watson, general manager of Bonus Car Wash, said in a statement.



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