“After persevering through an unprecedented pandemic and playing a pivotal role in keeping New York City moving in spite of it, the contract covering over 32,000 porters, door attendants, superintendents, concierges and handypersons across the five boroughs is set to expire on April 20, 2022. These positions are essential in New York to maintain buildings citywide–from historic Park Avenue luxury co-ops, to new developments in Brooklyn and Long Island City, to rent-stabilized apartments on the Upper West Side. That’s why as contract negotiations begin today, we expect healthcare and wage increases to be front and center at the bargaining table. As many residents in New York worked from home, our members continued to go to work and provided essential services that made remote work possible—and that’s because our members are no strangers to a challenge. They have worked through multiple crises in this city– from 9/11 to hurricanes and natural disasters. This pandemic was just the most recent challenge that our members have overcome. And, it has shown how essential our members are to the character and success of New York. We know that the city’s real estate market has made a booming comeback and our members deserve a contract package that recognizes the vital services they deliver each and every day.”

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With more than 175,000 members in 12 states, 32BJ SEIU is the largest property service workers union in the country.