The Houston Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) recognizes that our janitorial contractors and their employees are a critical and valuable component to the office environment that we provide to our tenants, and consider them partners in providing outstanding service. BOMA also respects the rights of janitors to bargain collectively with their employers: the janitorial contractors.

Houston office building owners do not hire janitors directly and thus are not party to collective bargaining activities between the janitors and their employers. Unlike some other markets, Houston office buildings are not “union buildings”, there are no agreements between Houston office buildings and the janitorial union.

Houston BOMA is not a party to collective bargaining negotiations. Our position on this issue is neutral.

During this strong economic downturn, building owners are struggling with high vacancy rates and the flight of tenants to suburban properties to avoid high operating expenses. A rise in operating expenses has been caused in part by higher taxes/building valuations, higher government fees for permits, water, drainage, increasing service wages and benefits, etc. Maintaining competitive operating expenses is essential to remaining relevant in today’s real estate market.

Until recently Houston’s lower cost of living has been a significant driver for economic development for the City. By keeping Houston an affordable place to live and work, and maintaining employment opportunities that have been key to the flourishing growth of the City, we will continue to attract new companies and the benefits that accompany growth.

Houston BOMA supports an affordable business climate that encourages robust economic growth and development.  Our owners support initiatives to attract new businesses and growth opportunities while maintaining one of the most reasonable costs of living in the country.

Maintaining this competitive edge is a key component to providing employment opportunities for Houston workers. And as such, building owners and managers strive to operate their buildings efficiently and to keep rents as low as possible in order to keep a highly competitive edge that the Houston market is known for.