THE BRONX — The union representing thousands of superintendents, porters and doormen throughout The Bronx reached a tentative agreement with management this week to avoid a strike.
Just days after members of 32BJ, an affiliate of the Service Employees International Union that represents New York City apartment workers, staged a massive rally outside of Bronx Borough Hall to authorize a strike if their demands for higher wages were not met by March 14, union leaders announced that they had come to an agreement with the Bronx Realty Advisory Board on a new four-year contract.
The agreement includes a raise of $64.75 per week over the next four years, as well as an employer 401(k) contribution of $5 per week beginning in the contract’s second year.
The workers will see a $10 per week raise starting on March 15, a $20 per week raise in the contract's second and third years, and a $14.75 per week raise in its fourth year.
Members will vote to ratify the agreement on March 19, and Kyle Bragg, secretary-treasurer of the union, said he expected an "overwhelmingly unanimous" vote in favor of it.
"I think there’s give and take on both sides," he said, "and both sides were responsible in their approach to bargaining and came up with a deal that was good for both the workers and the industry."
Billy Schur, president of the BRAB, said in a statement that he was satisfied with the terms as well.
"We are pleased to have arrived at a mutually acceptable agreement that provides for a generous package for the workers despite the many escalating costs affecting owners," he said.
