Thousands of NYC’s doormen have authorized a strike — which may take place as early as next week — as Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Comptroller Mark Levine have pledged their support.
More than 10,000 union workers gathered on Park Avenue Wednesday, April 15 to demand better benefits, and over one million New Yorkers would face disruptions in the event of a strike.
Here is what to know about the potential strike, and what tenants (and workers) would be affected.
Union 32BJ SEIU authorized a strike, which has the potential to disrupt over 1.5 million New Yorkers.
Why are NYC doormen going on strike?
Union 32BJ SEIU are demanding wage increases, benefit protections and pension upgrades for their newest contract.
They are also asking that the Realty Advisory Board on Labor Relations, which advises and represents those in the residential real estate industry, to stop attempts at proposing a shift that would put the cost of healthcare onto workers.
Who may go on strike?
According to the union, members are across the city in 3,500 residential co-ops, condos and apartments are subject to strike. Some of the jobs the workers do include visitor checks, trash removal, maintenance, electrical work and package retrieval.
“Of the 34,000 workers covered by this contract, 22% work in condos (not rentals), 43% in co-ops (not rentals) and 35% in rentals,” the union said in a release.
“A substantial portion of the rental units covered by this contract are market rate, which are benefiting from record high rents across the city.”
When could the strike happen?
The four-year agreement between the advisory board and the union expires on Monday, April 20.
The union’s president, Manny Pastreich, said they are prepared to strike on Tuesday, April 21.
What tenants would be affected if a strike happens?
Around 1.5 million tenants in NYC would be affected, which would “paralyze” homes, says the union.
“As rents in New York City reach record highs, 32BJ members who keep our residential buildings running are now facing additional threats to their economic stability,” Levine said.
“This is an unacceptable premise when we’re fighting to create pathways to the middle class for union workers – many of whom are immigrants.”
Where do negotiations stand?
According to a Thursday, April 16 statement from the union, negiotiations are ongoing between the RAB and 32BJ SEIU.
The talks are happening in Midtown, while mock strikes are taking place in different parts of the city on Thursday.
“Without meaningful movement to address costs, including healthcare contributions and the establishment of a Tier II structure, the long-term sustainability of the industry and its workforce is at risk,” RAB President Howard Rothschild said in a statement.
“Now is the time for both sides to come together and negotiate a contract that reflects these realities and supports a viable path forward.”
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NYC doormen may go on strike, with 1.5 million affected; what to know
Leave a Reply