Realty Advisory president Board James F. Berg

Real Estate Weekly, March 15, 2000 by Lois Weiss

Realty Advisory president Board James F. Berg says they have received the initial proposals from Local 32b-32J for the next residential contract, which would begin on April 21 and is now being negotiated.

"Needless to say, as you expect from most initial proposals, they seem to be higher - they have asked for 10 percent increases a year, plus more days off, more medical, the elimination of the start rate and other increases in other benefits," says Berg. One new item is a request to add computer training.

An interesting twist to the negotiations is that there are about 300 employee reps, plus a 30 to 50 member bargaining committee, plus other union personnel all facing the RAB's under a dozen reps.

"They listened and they were polite," says Berg. The union members also clapped when the RAB members were introduced. But, he worries, "Eventually we'll have to break down to come to an agreement. From a physical standpoint...it's hard to negotiate with 300 people."

Berg will deliver the formal RAB response on March 20th. Remember to check the web site at www.rabolr.org for updates.