Workers say 'strike' if deal isn't struck

Real Estate Weekly, April 9, 2003 by Steve Viuker

Thousands of apartment building doormen, superintendents, porters and handymen voted to authorize a strike if a contract deal isn't struck by April 20.

"We don't want a strike, but we will not accept givebacks of any kind in our contract," said Mike Fishman, head of Local 32B-J, whose 28,000 members work in thousands of buildings in every borough but the Bronx. Fishman said the union wants raises in each year of the three-year contract and won't take a one-time bonus. He wouldn't say how much the union is seeking.

He added that the union wants its pension plan boosted and will refuse to accept any cuts in workers' benefits. Workers also are asking for additional training to better handle security responsibilities thrust upon them after the terror attacks. "Since 9/11 and the FBI warnings, doormen have to watch out for suspicious people and sometimes open mail that might have anthrax," Fishman said."

The Realty Advisory Board, which represents building owners, expressed confidence an agreement would be reached. "An authorization for a strike does not mean that one will occur," said Jim Grossman, a spokesman for the Realty Advisory Board. "We continue to communicate with Local 32B-J and are engaged in meaningful negotiations."