32BJ SEIU Members Authorize Strike of 34,000 NYC Residential Building Service Workers
On Wednesday, more than 10,000 32BJ SEIU members rallied on Park Ave and voted to authorize a strike that would paralyze the homes of 1.5 million New Yorkers. Members demand fair wage increases, pension improvements, protection of all benefits and that the Realty Advisory Board on Labor Relations (RAB), representing the residential real estate industry, drop proposals that would shift the cost of healthcare onto workers and undermine the union contract through a Two Tier workforce.
In the event of a strike, 1.5 million NYC residents would be without the essential services 32BJ SEIU members provide in 3,500 residential co-ops, condos and apartments buildings, including visitor screening, package intake, removing trash, building maintenance, recycling and compost, and maintaining heat, electrical, AC systems.
While the thriving real estate industry continues to enjoy record high rents, high property values, and historic low vacancy rates, 32BJ SEIU members are falling behind due to the rising cost of living.32BJ members took to Park Avenue to highlight key issues and authorize the bargaining committee to call a strike if necessary. The current four-year industry-wide labor agreement between the RAB and 32BJ SEIU expires midnight April 20, 2026.
“Today, we took over Park Avenue with our allies, including Mayor Mamdani, with a clear message: we are united and 10,000 strong in our demand for a fair union contract," said 32BJ SEIU President Manny Pastreich. While the residential real estate industry is booming, working New Yorkers are fighting to keep up with the skyrocketing cost of living. Our members are essential to this industry and to New York City. While the RAB wants to cut costs on the backs of workers, we won’t allow it! We are prepared to strike on April 21, for fair wages, our healthcare, our pensions, and our union contract!” Read more in the NY Times, Gothamist, and amNY, learn more here, and follow the workers and their fight on Instagram, Facebook and X for updates!