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In Case of Doorman Strike: De Blasio Sets Up Support Website
By
Jaya Saxena
Published Apr 17, 2010
Modified Apr 26, 2010
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By
Jaya Saxena
Published Apr 17, 2010
Modified Apr 26, 2010
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The 32 BJ building workers union and the Realty Advisory Board have been in accelerated contract negotiations since Thursday, but they are reportedly still "far apart" on ideas for the new contract. The current contract expires on April 21st, and if the two sides don't settle on things like wages, health care and sick days, more than 30,000 building workers across the city will strike. Howard Rothschild of the RAB told Businessweek they are "committed to negotiating continually—around the clock, if necessary—to reach an agreement before midnight Tuesday."
However, Local 32BJ is ready to strike. Over 1,000 "strike captains" have already met at key points throughout the city, and are briefing other union members on picket line rules and legal issues. "We are ready to walk out if we need to," said strike captain Santiago Gonzalez. Their press release says building workers have made an average of $40,000 a year, which is too low for New York City. Kyle Bragg, 32BJ Vice President for Residential Building Workers, said, "Locking apartment building workers into a contract that does not keep pace with the city's high cost of living is not an option."
Many buildings have already been preparing for the doomsday scenario by distributing guidelines to their residents on how to live life without things like doormen or on-site superintendents. But now Public Advocate Bill De Blasio is getting in on the action. He's set up a website to direct tenants to resources within the local government to help deal with any living condition issues that may arise, from loss of heat to a dreaded bed bug infestation. For instance, if you find your apartment suddenly invaded by the Ratdemic, the proper response is to call the Health Department and request to speak with the Pest Control Services division. For garbage issues, call the Sanitation Department. For bed bugs, whatever you do don't pour gas on them. Sorry, there's nothing here on how to get downstairs to pick up your own food delivery.
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32 bj
bill de blasio
doorman strike
doormen
rab
realty advisory board
strike
Jaya Saxena
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