The clock is now ticking for building owners to come to a contract agreement with the union that represents thousands of doormen and other workers.
That after dozens of members of 32BJ, stood together to authorize a strike when their contract ends on Monday night.
What You Need To Know
The clock is now ticking for building owners to come to a contract agreement with the union that represents thousands of doormen and other workers
About 34,000 union members would be affected by the strike that includes doormen, porters and maintenance workers at residential buildings across the five boroughs
According to the union, about 67% of the buildings affected are not rental units but co-ops and condos
“Affordablity is what this whole thing is about. Our members are struggling to make ends meet in this city. Struggling to pay for gas. Struggling to pay for transportation. Struggling for groceries and the number one thing they’re struggling with the rent and that’s why we believe we an get the contract we deserve,” Manny Pastreich, unoin preisdent, said.
About 34,000 union members would be affected by the strike that includes doormen, porters and maintenance workers at residential buildings across the five boroughs.
About 67% of the buildings affected are not rental units but co-ops and condos, according to the union.
Demands include higher pay and to maintain their current health care plan. Under the current contract, members have full family coverage and don’t pay money toward the plan.
“I was actually priced out of the city three years ago and it’s the reason why I’m also here because I do want to come back. This has been home for me for over 30 years and its a place I call home. My kids grew up here. So it’s very important for me. Wage increase, the pension — everything. The whole package,” member Maria Silva said.
“Medical, knowing that I will be covered, if God forbids something happens. As a porter, we clean, we deal with germs, with garbage. It’s important I have somewhere to go if I need it,” member Luis Ayala said.
On the other side of the negotiating table is the Realty Advisory Board, which represents building owners. NY1 has reached out to them for comment and has not heard back.
Other sticking points for the union include wanting RAB to increase the pension fund and not have a two tier employee system.
Meanwhile, the workers got a helping hand from two of the city’s top elected leaders.
“We are in this fight with you. We will not rest until all of the workers here, all of the members of 32BJ get the pay and the healthcare you deserve. And that is why this city council stood up for the security guard bill and overrode Mayor [Eric] Adams’ veto of that bill.” City Council Speaker Julie Menin said.
“I am proud, as Candice said, to be a mayor that stands with workers. To be a mayor that is not with you just today but looking to be with you each and every day,” Mayor Zohran Mamdani said.
If the two sides don’t reach an agreement, the doormen will officially strike on Tuesday morning.
Some buildings have started preparing their residents for the potential strike by asking them to sign up to sort mail and take out the garbage. Others have told their residents that they will have to meet their guests and food deliveries in the lobby.