Published: April 14, 2010
Hundreds of New York City doormen and apartment building workers took to the street yesterday (Tuesday) as talks over a new contract continued.
Warning that the clock was ticking on a possible strike by 30,000 workers if the contract is allowed to expire April 21, the workers rallied on the Upper East Side to demand a fair deal from the Realty Advisory Board, the industry association representing most building owners.
Public Advocate Bill de Blasio and Comptroller John Liu were among the elected officials who joined 32BJ president Mike Fishman and vice president Kyle Bragg on the protest.
But with talks due to ratchet up on Thursday as both sides move to the Sheraton New York for intensive bargaining sessions, the RAB insisted yesterday (Tuesday) it was hopeful of a resolution.
Howard Rothschild, president of RAB, said the organization enjoyed a "constructive relationship" with Local 32BJ SEIU.
"The real estate industry is proud that our building service employees are the most highly compensated apartment building employees in the nation. However, given the economic state of residential real estate in New York, costs must be controlled," Rothschild said.
Under the present contract each 32BJ doorman or porter costs a building nearly $70,000 a year, according to the RAB which said it is looking to contain costs fro current employees and curtail them for future workers.
The Board has proposed a modification and slight reduction in the holidays, personal and sick days, and a 10% contribution for health insurance premiums from present employees, who presently do not pay any part of their health insurance premiums. The RAB has also proposed extending the start rate and modifying benefits for newly hired workers.
"This type of differentiation is widely utilized in both the private and public sectors and would allow the industry to curtail ever-increasing costs without placing economic burdens on the shoulders of employees already on the job.
"Given the times, we think this is a fair proposal," Rothschild said.
The Union, meanwhile, claims that, under the current contract, workers make on average $40,000 a year and point out that, in the four years since the last contract, the consumer price index (CPI) has jumped 11.3%. It's a major issues include increase wages to keep up with the rising cost of living, maintaining family health care and ensuring adequate funds for training and retirement.
In an effort t lower building operating costs, the union is encouraging employers to increase participation in a new "Green Buildings" training program.
"The workers who keep apartment buildings running well and residents safe should be able to make ends meet in our city," said Mike Fishman, president of 32BJ.
"The rally was about more than a new contract, it's about keeping our city a place that all working families can still afford to call home."
