Potential Strike Authorized For 20,000 NYC Commercial Cleaners

On Wednesday, an estimated 10,000 32BJ SEIU members rallied at 6th Ave & 50th St. to demand that the Realty Advisory Board agree to a new contract for 20,000 commercial cleaners, porters and handypersons across the city that includes fair wage increases, fully employer-paid health care for families and no cuts to job protections after essential cleaners demonstrated their commitment and service during the pandemic. Building workers voted to give the bargaining committee the power to call for a strike, if they decide it becomes necessary. A strike, if one occurs, would affect 1,300 buildings.

At the rally, workers were joined by leading elected officials and labor leaders including U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Attorney General Letitia James, Mayor Eric Adams, NYC Comptroller Brad Lander, President of the New York City Central Labor Council Vinny Alvarez, and Director of UAW Region 9A Brandon Mancilla, among others.

“Our members need to move forward, not backwards – they need wage increases that allow them to pay for rising rents, the rising cost of transportation, the rising cost of everything. We are demanding that we have health insurance we can count on and can afford. We are demanding pension improvements. We are going to make sure these contractors can’t attack our jobs. We have had four bargaining sessions and made zero progress. Time is running short for the RAB to make a deal,” said 32BJ President Manny Pastreich. Read more here and stay updated on negotiations by following 32BJ on social media!