New York, NY–After nearly a year on the picket line, 21 building service workers at Dayton Beach Co-ops in Far Rockaway returned to work today with a new contract that protects their wage and benefit standards.

“From striking against an attack on their livelihoods to walking shoulder to shoulder on the picket line through tough weather, these workers have stood together against all odds,” said Kyle Bragg, Vice President of 32BJ. “Their fight for what was right has not just secured their own good jobs, but has shown others that when working people stand together they can win.”

The workers, who include superintendents, maintenance men, porters and groundskeepers, had been on strike since July, after management refused to sign a new contract with their union. On Monday, the co-op board voted on and signed a new contract which includes wage increases, maintains seniority and restores benefits.

“This is fair agreement that is good for the workers, management and most importantly the tenants,” said Bragg. “We thank the community and the shareholders who stood by the workers during this ordeal.”

Dayton Beach Park Cooperative consists of five beachfront buildings with more than 5,000 residents living in 1149 units.

With more than 120,000 members, including 70,000 in New York, 32BJ is the largest property service workers union in the country.