Louisville public housing workers rally for better contracts as negotiations begin

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- More than 100 people who work for the Louisville Metro Housing Authority have been waiting for a new contract.

Cleaners, maintenance workers and other members of the 32BJ SEIU Union took part in a rally outside LMHA headquarters on South 5th Street early Monday to rally for a new contract before negotiations were set to begin.

The workers who take care of public housing properties across the city are pushing for stronger contracts, an end to subcontracting and better health insurance.

"This is the only tool we have," said Ronnie Holcombe, an LMHA employee. "We're a public company. We can't strike. We don't have any leverage against them. The only way we can have an advantage is by talking and getting our story out to the public."

Bargaining was set to begin at the conclusion of the rally.

In a written statement, LMHA spokesperson Jailen Leavell confirmed negotiations are in progress.

"The Louisville Metro Housing Authority has begun negotiations with the 32BJ SEIU union to support our maintenance employees," Leavell said. "LMHA is committed to retaining our dedicated staff and is optimistic about fair and good-faith discussions. LMHA is proud to offer competitive salaries and excellent benefits to all our employees including our Maintenance staff. We also acknowledge that maintaining safe, decent, and affordable housing may at times require additional support from outside contractors. We welcome the union’s partnership as we work to strengthen our workforce and recruit new employees."

This story may be updated.

Rising rental costs, lack of affordable options threaten to plunge Louisville into housing crisis

Louisville public housing workers rally for better contracts as negotiations begin