New York City Workers to Receive First Raise Since COVID-19

Tens of thousands of people who work for New York City will soon get their first raise since the COVID-19 pandemic. Members of the city’s largest municipal employee union – AFSCME District Council 37 – earlier this month voted 97.7% in favor of the citywide economic contract. In addition to the much-needed raise, the agreement increases the minimum rate for city jobs to $18 per hour, preserves premium-free health care benefits and establishes flexible work policies across agencies, including remote work.

“We thank our members for showing their confidence in this union,” Henry Garrido, DC 37’s executive director and an AFSCME vice president, said in a statement. “These were the most difficult negotiations we’ve experienced in decades, and we fought hard to secure a contract that provides fair compensation for city workers and support for the new challenges they face on the job and at home.”

Nearly 46,000 District Council 37 members participated in the ratification vote. The citywide contract covers approximately 90,000 DC 37 members. The agreement is retroactive to May 26, 2021, and lasts until Nov. 6, 2026. Read more here.