Service on strike

Local 32BJ members in Hartford are hoping to see wage increases and fully employer-paid health insurance on the new union contract for commercial property service workers. Contract negotiations began today. More than 1,800 workers from UNICCO Service Co., Capitol Carpet Upholstery and American Building Maintenance could strike if a contract is not reached by December 31, 2007. The cleaning contractors are responsible for work at United Technology Corp., Aetna, Hartford Insurance Group, Travelers, Cigna and Citigroup offices.