Thousands of NYC building workers vote ‘Yes’ on potential strike
Members of 32BJ SEIU say proposals on the table would shift health care costs onto workers and create a lower-paid tier, while failing to keep up with the rising cost of living.
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Thousands of New York City building workers voted to authorize a strike - one that could impact more than 1.5 million residents.
Members of 32BJ SEIU say proposals on the table would shift health care costs onto workers and create a lower-paid tier, while failing to keep up with the rising cost of living.
The union represents about 34,000 workers, including doormen, porters and superintendents, who maintain more than 600,000 households across the city.
The union says proposals from building owners are “insulting."
"While the residential real estate industry is booming, working New Yorkers are fighting to keep up with the skyrocketing cost of living. Our members are essential to this industry and to New York City," said 32BJ SEIU President Manny Pastreich. "We are prepared to strike on April 20, for fair wages, our health care, our pensions, and our union contract!"
But the Realty Advisory Board, which represents building owners, says its offer includes fair wage increases, while asking employees to share in health care costs, citing economic pressures like rent regulations and rising expenses.
"The New York City residential real estate industry is facing mounting pressures, including the likelihood of 0% rent increases on stabilized units for years to come, overregulation, and rising operating costs," Howard Rothschild, president of the Realty Advisory Board on Labor Relations.
"Now is the time for both sides to come together and negotiate a contract that reflects these realities and supports a viable path forward," he said.
If no agreement is reached before the contract expires on April 20, a strike could disrupt essential services in residential buildings for more than 1.5 million New Yorkers.
