Service workers at 500 residential buildings in the Hudson Valley agreed on a four-year contract Monday, Sept. 28, preventing a strike that would have disrupted the lives of hundreds of thousands of residents.
The 1,300 workers — doorpersons, porters, supers, and handypersons — agreed on a deal that includes an hourly wage increase of $4, pension and healthcare improvements and overtime protections, according to their union, 32BJ of the Service Employees International Union.
“This victory is not just about us,” said Luis Montalvo, a White Plains super and member of the bargaining committee. “It’s about honoring the fight that past generations have put in and ensuring future generations can enjoy good union jobs. That is worth fighting for, that is worth striking
for.”
The eleventh-hour agreement with The Building & Realty Institute (BRI) of the Hudson Valley awaits a ratification vote by the union. The previous contract was set to expire at midnight on Sept. 30.
How building service workers avoided strike in Hudson Valley
On Sept. 16, workers voted to approve a strike that would have impacted trash removal, building security, maintenance and other services at co-ops, condominiums and rental apartment buildings throughout the region.
The BRI says the deal guarantees members full employer-funded pensions as well as holiday and leave policies from past contracts. It also includes more stringent penalties for workers fired for cause, including financial penalties for remaining in an apartment, the BRI said.
“This fight was not easy, but we won a deal that honors our members and the essential work they do,” said Israel Melendez, 32BJ SEIU Vice President and Hudson Valley Director. “We mobilized, 1,300 strong and ready to strike, in order to secure strong wage increases and pension improvements while protecting our health care and benefits.”
The full contract will be posted at www.buildersinstitute.org in the coming weeks.
"It took time, effort, and patience, but this contract sets both the buildings and the workers up for success," the BRI said in a statement.
Thomas C. Zambito covers energy, transportation and economic growth for the USA TODAY Network’s New York State team. He’s won dozens of state and national writing awards from the Associated Press, Investigative Reporters and Editors, the Deadline Club and others during a decades-long career that’s included stops at the New York Daily News, The Star-Ledger of Newark and The Record of Hackensack. He can be reached at tzambito@lohud.com
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Deal averts workers' strike at 500 Hudson Valley residential buildings
