–More Than One Million New Yorkers Would Be Affected by a Strike–
New York, NY – April 14, 2010 – (RealEstateRama) — Thousands of New York City doormen, apartment building workers and supporters marched and rallied on Park Avenue today to demand a fair contract from the Realty Advisory Board (RAB), an industry association representing most building owners. With only seven days left until a possible citywide strike, 32BJ SEIU and the RAB remain far apart on any new agreement.
“The workers who keep apartment buildings running well and residents safe should be able to make ends meet in our city,” said Mike Fishman, President of 32BJ. “This march is about more than a new contract, it’s about keeping our city a place that all working families can afford to call home.”
The contract, which covers 30,000 doormen, superintendents, resident managers, porters, handymen and concierges, expires at 12:01 a.m. on April 21st. In the event of a strike, more than one million New York City apartment, co-op and condominium residents living in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens and Staten Island would be directly affected. Contract talks between 32BJ and the RAB began on March 9th.
“A fair contract is in order to ensure fair wages in light of the tremendous contributions by working New Yorkers who make our City livable,” said Comptroller John Liu. “Hardworking New Yorkers dedicate themselves to keeping families safe and secure in their homes.”
“Millions of New Yorkers could be affected by what could be the largest apartment building strike in recent history,” said Public Advocate Bill de Blasio. “If these workers are forced to strike, my office will continue to support them, as well as be ready to provide support for the tenants who will be impacted. I am proud to stand with the thousands of apartment building workers who deserve a fair a contract.”
The union seeks to increase wages to keep up with the rising cost of living, maintain family health care and ensure adequate funds for training and retirement. In an effort to lower building operating costs, the union is urging employers to increase participation in a new “Green Buildings” training program.
In response, the RAB has proposed cuts to wages, healthcare, sick days, overtime and vacation and the creation of a two-tier pay and benefit scale for new hires. Meanwhile, the value of residential real estate in the city has grown by 28% in the past four years.
“As we turn the corner on the recession, we need to make sure that New York city remains affordable to low and middle income families,” said Fishman “Keeping New York affordable is essential to maintaining the vibrancy and diversity that makes the city such a great place to live, work and visit.”
Under the current contract, New York City apartment building workers make an average of $40,000 a year. In the four years since the last contract, the consumer price index (CPI) in the New York City area has jumped 11.3%, while wages have increased by just 8.5%
“We work hard every day so that we can pay the bills, give our kids an education, and maybe even buy a house,” said Upper East Side doorman Deon Fenton. “Isn’t that the American Dream?”
“Nobody wants a strike, but we’re committed to do what it takes to get workers what they need,” said Kyle Bragg, 32BJ Vice President. “Working families need wages that keep pace with the city’s high cost of living.”
With more than 120,000 members, 32BJ is the largest property service workers union in the country. For more information, visit http://www.standwithbuildingworkers.org/press .
Contact:
Kwame Patterson: 212-388-3676, 312-371-2485
Matt Nerzig: 212-539-2882, 917-584-0787
