More than 1,400 workers who have been striking for higher
pay for nearly a week have agreed to a new contract with the Hunts Point
Produce Market.
The union tweeted that: “Teamsters Local 202 members voted
this morning to approve their
new union contract with the largest raises in the
history of their bargaining unit. We won because we fought hard.”
Ninety-seven percent of the workers voted in agreement and
now workers will eventually see a $1.85 raise.
The union president
said it will play out over the next three years with a minimum raise of 70
cents per hour in the first year. An increase to $1.85 will eventually hit by
the third year.
Employees won't have to pay more to their family health care benefits, something
the market originally wanted. The workers initially asked for a wage increase
of $1 per hour and the market counteroffered with 32 cents, which they
deemed unacceptable.
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez showed up twice this week to
show her support for the employees. Rep. Ritchie Torres also sent a letter to
President Joe Biden, asking for involvement from the federal government.