The city’s doormen and other building workers struck a last-minute deal with management just after the midnight deadline this morning, preventing a strike that would have disrupted the lives of a million New Yorkers.
The four-year agreement gives the workers an increase in wages and benefits of about 10 percent. That comes to just under 3 percent a year, according to union President Mike Fishman, who announced the pact at the Sheraton New York in Midtown.
It represents a huge win for members of Service Employees International Union 32BJ, who will see no changes in their current generous health-care benefits, sick days, vacation days and pension.
The two sides agreed to continue to talk about lowering health-care costs, and hope to reach a total savings of $70 million for management by 2012. Those talks will include issues such having workers go to doctors rather than expensive emergency rooms whenever possible.
“While we had a difficult time negotiating, we had a good dialogue and we reached a fair agreement,” Fishman told a press conference early this morning.
Howard Rothschild, President of the Realty Advisory Board which represents management, said, “It serves the industry, the workers, the residents . . . and the entire City of New York.”
The two sides had been negotiating every day since Thursday to prevent the first strike of building workers since 1991.
“I’m happy the deal was reached. I’m very happy because no one wants to go on strike during these economic times,” said Stacy Glover, who mans the door at a Park Avenue building.
Hansel Veras, who works at a luxury building on John Street, said, “I’m just satisfied that it’s not a strike and that I’m still going to receive a paycheck.”
A doorman at a building on East 84th Street near First Avenue — who is a steward in the 30,000-member union, which also represents superintendents, janitors, porters, concierges and maintenance workers — admitted he has a very good deal.
“I’m glad we’re not striking. My salary is good,” said the doorman, who asked not to be identified. “I make $19 and change an hour, and for an unskilled laborer, that’s a miracle.”
New Yorkers rely on doormen and other building workers to make life run smoothly.
And residents were thrilled that a deal was reached.
“I’m very happy,” said an Upper East Sider who asked not to be identified.
“I like all my doormen — but I was most concerned about the garbage removal and keeping the building clean. I’d stockpiled large plastic garbage bags, and I’m glad I don’t have to use them.”
Additional reporting by Amanda Longobucco, Sharnice L. Cyprien, Erin Calabrese and Matthew Nestel