32BJ SEIU Residential Building Service Workers Win Demands, Strike Averted

32BJ SEIU bargaining committee representing 34,000 residential building service workers in New York City reached a tentative agreement Friday with the Realty Advisory Board on Labor Relations. The tentative agreement was reached before the April 20 expiration of the current contract, averting a strike that would have shut down residential building operations for 1.5 million New York City residents.

The new four year agreement will offer 32BJ SEIU doorpersons, porters, handypersons, supers and resident managers $4.50/hr wage increases, 15% increase to guaranteed pension, maintenance of healthcare benefits with no premium sharing, protection of the bargaining unit and future hires (no two tier workforce), among other wins. The new agreement will come into full effect if members vote to ratify the agreement via mail.

“We came together, 10,000 strong on Park Avenue, and we won," said 32BJ President Manny Pastreich. "The path to this tentative agreement was not easy. 32BJ members mobilized with intention this year to make crystal clear their priorities. And today we found a common path forward with the RAB that rewards workers appropriately. We got a deal done that our members have earned and deserved. This agreement honors the indispensable contributions 32BJ members make to our city. I want to thank Howard Rothschild and the residential industry for working in good faith and reaching a fair deal for both sides.” See more details from the agreement here!