WORKERS TO MARCH ON THE HIGH LINE IN PROTEST AGAINST LOW PAY, POOR BENEFITS AT PARK’S POSH NEW BUILDINGS

New York, NY – August 15, 2013 – (RealEstateRama) — Over 100 people, including workers in buildings along the High Line—the elevated park with scenic views and pricey artisanal treats at a once down-and-out area of the city—and their supporters will march for fairness and higher standards at the park’s luxury apartments. While developers hike prices to take advantage of the now-desirable real estate, porters and concierges who work in the buildings that buttress the High Line say they are not sharing in the good times.

At one building, where a one-bedroom currently lists for $4,250 a month, workers earn as little as $10.60 an hour, have no health insurance coverage or paid sick days. At another, where rock star David Byrne lives, wages start $12.10 as one-bedroom apartments go for more than $1.6 million. A penthouse apartment in a building where rocker Mick Jagger and actress Nicole Kidman live just sold for more than $6.8 million. Workers at that building have benefits that are well below the standard for residential workers across the city. One of the workers is scrambling to pay $300 out of pocket every month for prescriptions.

WHO:           Workers in buildings along the High Line Park on Manhattan’s West Side,

including Cesar Coronel at 231 10^th Ave., William Rosado at 520 West 23rd

Street, and Juan Torres at 200 11th Avenue.

WHAT:         About 100 people—workers and their supporters, including elected

officials—will demand that managers of the building respect their right to

organize free of intimidation, improve working conditions and do right by

workers by paying family-sustaining wages and affordable benefits.

WHEN:         4:30 p.m. on Thursday, August 15, 2013

WHERE:      The High Line Park along Manhattan’s West Side (231 10^th Ave.)

VISUALS:    A tour with sign posts along the High Line, pointing out problem

buildings; workers and their supporters carrying banners and placards

With more than 145,000 members, including 75,000 in New York City, 32BJ SEIU is the largest property service union in the country.

Contact:
Michael O. Allen 212-388-3805;

646-436-7556