Thousands of office building workers in the city said Wednesday that they may walk out on strike at the start of next year if their demands on wages and health benefits are not met.

Members of Local 32BJ voted to authorize a strike starting January 1st if they do not get a raise.

Thousands of those workers marched from 42nd Street and Broadway to 38th Street and Sixth Avenue demanding more money. The workers come from more than 2,000 commercial buildings throughout the five boroughs as janitors, doormen, and other service workers.

"It's very insulting because we are doing their job," said union member Aminta Gonell. "We're asking for not even one percentage of what they're making right now."

"Rent is very high," said Deborah Washington, another member. "It's very hard living from week to week, pay to pay. You're not able to make it with what we make."

The union, which represents 26,000 workers, says that although the real estate industry has been very profitable, the workers have not seen any of that money. Local 32BJ says that when union leaders met with building owners to discuss a raise, they were told they were unable to afford it.

"It is important for the people of New York to remember the important work we do and want to make sure they hear our voice today," said 32BJ President Michael Fishman.

The Realty Advisory Board released a statement saying that "the union's contention that the real estate market has done well in the past two years is true. But so, have its members. More importantly, there are grave storm clouds threatening the economy and real estate industry over the next few years that will be covered by a new contract."

"The union is demanding a fair and reasonable wage. So are we," continued James Berg, president of the R.A.B. in a statement. "Our negotiations will determine what, exactly, that means."