32BJ Cleaners on Strike in the Diamond District

Building cleaners in Midtown on Wednesday exchanged their brooms and bleach for picket signs as they went on strike to protest wage cuts, health insurance cancellations and job losses. Dozens of workers and supporters gathered in front of an office building at 529 Fifth Ave. to support six workers — five cleaners and a fire safety director — on strike. All are members of 32BJ SEIU, the union representing property service workers in NYC.

The striking workers' wages were cut in half to $16 an hour and their health insurance plans were canceled in June after a new landlord took ownership of the building where they work last year. Four union security officers lost their jobs this year. Almost all of the workers have worked at the property for decades.

One of the striking workers is Ardiana Pllumbaj. Like her colleagues, she is calling on L&J Janitorial, the cleaning contractor hired by the new building owner, to come to the bargaining table and negotiate a fair contract.

“We are on strike because our new employer refuses to bargain with our union,” the mother of two said. “Our rights as workers must be respected. I have been a 32BJ member for 18 years and have never experienced such disrespect for my labor rights.” The union filed an Unfair Labor Practice charge on Monday with the National Labor Relations Board to challenge their employer’s alleged refusal to bargain with the workers. Read more in amNY, check out video from News 12 and follow 32BJ for updates!