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Thousands of building workers in New York City, including doormen, porters, and superintendents, are preparing to strike as early as Tuesday, April 22nd. The union representing over 34,000 workers, 32BJ Service Employees International Union, is set to vote on Wednesday to authorize the strike if contract negotiations with building owners do not progress.
The workers are demanding better wages, healthcare, and pension benefits. According to Gothamist, the Realty Advisory Board on Labor Relations, representing building owners, is proposing that workers contribute to healthcare costs and accept a new "Tier II" workforce structure, which would pay new hires less. The union opposes these measures, arguing that they undermine workers' economic security.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani has expressed support for the workers, stating that New York will remain a "union town." The last building workers' strike in 1991 lasted 12 days and impacted over 2,800 buildings, with residents having to manage their own building needs.
The potential strike highlights ongoing tensions in the real estate industry over wages and benefits. The RAB estimates that the average doorman earns about $62,000 annually, but the total cost to employers, including benefits, is over $112,000. The union insists on maintaining premium and copay-free healthcare, citing its importance for workers' well-being.
National Today reports that the union's contract negotiations are seen as a broader battle over affordability in New York City. With rising living costs, workers are fighting to sustain their standard of living. The outcome of the vote on Wednesday will determine whether the strike proceeds.
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