New York City building workers' union reaches tentative agreement to avert strike
UPPER EAST SIDE, Manhattan (WABC) -- The union representing thousands of New York City residential building workers reached a tentative agreement with the Realty Advisory Board on Friday that would avert a strike.
More than 34,000 doormen and women, supers, porters and other workers with 32BJ were set to walk off the job as soon as next Tuesday, which would have impacted more than a million New Yorkers across thousands of buildings.
Before the tentative agreement was reached, union had authorized a strike on Wednesday.
32BJ had some powerful people backing them, including New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
The union was at odds with the Realty Advisory Board, which represents New York City building owners, with some the main sticking points being wages and healthcare.
Under the current four-year deal, members have full family coverage and do not contribute money to the plan.
The Realty Advisory Board insists that the model isn't sustainable, pointing out the average door person makes about $62,000 a year, but costs employers more than $112,000, partly because of healthcare.
The board also pointed to the possibility of a rent freeze in rent-stabilized buildings, saying, "Without meaningful movement to address costs, including healthcare contributions and the establishment of a Tier II structure, the long-term sustainability of the industry and its workforce is at risk."
The last strike was in 1991 when building workers were off the job for a total of 12 days.
WATCH | The Vault: Eyewitness News coverage of 1991 building workers strike
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