-Lockout Will Affect More Than 10,000 Residents—
–Union Says more than 1/3 Cut in Wages and Benefits is Unacceptable—
New York, NY – November 29, 2010 – (RealEstateRama) — Flatbush Gardens workers were locked-out by their employer Renaissance Equity Holdings this morning, effectively preventing them from performing their jobs and serving thousands of tenants at the massive complex. The employer’s action took place following the workers’ refusal to accept a more than 30 percent cut in wages and cuts to benefits that would leave most workers without health care coverage. The contract, which expired in April, covers more than 70 porters and handymen who maintain the complex that is home to more than 10,000 New Yorkers.
“Renaissance would rather kick workers out during the holiday season than provide wages and benefits these workers need to support their families,” said Kyle Bragg, 32BJ Vice President. “This ‘take it or leave it’ approach is a slap in the face to hard working New Yorkers and the Flatbush Gardens community.”
With the rising cost of food, transportation and other everyday expenses, Renaissance’s demands to cut workers wages by a third would severely hurt workers, their families and their communities as wages won’t keep pace with the high cost of living in New York City.
Brian Miller has been a porter at Flatbush Gardens for 9 years. As a father of four young children, he can’t afford to have his wages and benefits go backwards.
“My family is going to be out on the streets if my pay and benefits get any lower,” Miller said. “They’re taking away our ability to feed our children and stay in our homes.”
32BJ has been bargaining in good faith with Renaissance Equity Holdings since late spring –but Renaissance continues to reject the union’s proposals for a fair deal. Workers are seeking to maintain affordable family health care and their wage levels. Renaissance, however, insists on a more than seven-dollar per hour wage reduction and cuts to healthcare and other benefits.
Flatbush Gardens has more than 10,000 residents living in 2,500 residential units in 59 buildings, making it one of the largest housing complexes in Brooklyn. Councilmember Jumaane D. Williams, who represents the community of Flatbush Gardens, said he fully supports the workers and looks at Renaissance’s lock out and cuts as an attack on good paying jobs throughout community.
“It’s sad day when we see employers locking workers out who are simply trying to make a living in the most expensive city in the country,” said Councilman Williams. “Flatbush Garden’s management has not only failed the workers, but they have also failed its tenants and the people living of Brooklyn.”
With more than 120,000 members, including 70,000 in New York, 32BJ is the largest private-sector union in the state.
Contact:
Kwame Patterson: 212-388-3676
Matt Nerzig: 212-539-2882
