Published: May 27, 2010

   More than 3,500 building superintendents, handymen, doormen, concierges and porters in Queens officially have a new contract.

   Local 32BJ of the Service Employees International Union ratified the residential building workers new agreement with the Realty Advisory Board on Labor Relations last Friday. The RAB had already ratified the contract in April.

   The $8.1 billion, four-year deal sets wages and benefits for more than 30,000 employees in 3,200 buildings across the city, according to the union, which had threatened to strike if there was no accord by the midnight April 21 deadline. The deal was made nine minutes late.

   The workers will get nearly 10 percent in raises over the four years, compared to 8.5 percent in the last contract, while increasing their contributions to healthcare costs by nearly 20 percent and to their pensions by more than 20 percent, 32BJ reported. They maintained all benefits, including sick days, overtime and vacation.

   “Wage increases, employer-paid health care and a secured retirement plan will give New York City apartment building workers what they need today and the security they will need in the future,” 32BJ President Mike Fishman said.