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Thousands of building workers in New York City, represented by the 32BJ Service Employees International Union, voted on Wednesday to authorize a strike, which could begin as early as next Tuesday (April 21). The union, which includes over 34,000 doormen, porters, superintendents, and other building workers, is demanding better wages, healthcare, and pension structures.
The strike, if it occurs, would be the first since 1991 and would impact approximately 1.5 million residents across 3,500 buildings, excluding the Bronx. The current contract is set to expire on Monday at midnight. At a rally along Park Avenue, workers expressed their readiness to strike, holding signs that read "YES I am ready to strike."
Mayor Zohran Mamdani has voiced his support for the workers, emphasizing New York City's commitment to being a union town. He stated, "We are sending a clear message to every building owner that the hardworking members of 32BJ will not be pushed around by anyone."
The Realty Advisory Board on Labor Relations (RAB), representing about 3,000 building owners, is negotiating with the union. They are proposing that workers share healthcare costs and are advocating for a new "Tier II" workforce, which would involve lower wages for new hires. RAB President Howard Rothschild highlighted the financial pressures facing building owners, citing rising operating costs and potential rent freezes on stabilized units.
Union President Manny Pastreich stressed the need for fair wage increases to keep up with the cost of living in New York City. He also criticized the RAB's focus on rent-stabilized units, noting that they represent a small fraction of the buildings covered by the union contract.
The last building workers' strike in 1991 lasted 12 days and resulted in a three-year contract with annual wage increases. As negotiations continue, residents are preparing for potential disruptions, including taking on tasks like trash removal and package handling.
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