New York City Maintenance Workers Continue Strike Amid Federal Order

Strategic Insights -

Around 35,000 office building workers in New York City, including doormen, elevator operators, maintenance employees, and custodial workers from Local 32B-32J of the Service Employees International Union, have been on strike since Thursday. The strike began after contract negotiations with 1,000 commercial buildings broke down over wages and benefits. A federal judge, Shira Scheindlin, issued an order barring striking workers from throwing eggs and engaging in vandalism at the World Trade Center. The order follows 30 arrests related to strike incidents, with charges ranging from disorderly conduct to assault.

Key Takeaways:

  • A federal judge, Shira Scheindlin, issued an order banning striking workers from throwing eggs and engaging in vandalism at the World Trade Center.
  • The order was made after 30 people were arrested for strike-related incidents, with charges ranging from disorderly conduct to assault.
  • Striking workers include 35,000 office building workers, including doormen, elevator operators, maintenance employees, and custodial workers from Local 32B-32J of the Service Employees International Union.
  • Contract negotiations broke down over wages and benefits, with the main sticking point being the building owner's proposal to slash the starting wage for new workers.
  • The strike began after the union's three-year contract expired on December 31.
  • Police reported no strike-related arrests on Saturday.

Statistics:

  • 30 people were arrested for strike-related incidents, with charges ranging from disorderly conduct to assault.
  • 35,000 office building workers are involved in the strike.
  • 1,000 commercial buildings are affected by the strike.
  • The union's three-year contract expired on December 31.
  • The main sticking point in contract negotiations is the building owner's proposal to slash the starting wage for new workers.

Sources:

  • New York's Daily News
  • United Press International (UPI)
  • Police spokeswoman Kathleen Kelly
  • Judge Shira Scheindlin's order (no date mentioned)
  • Service Employees International Union (no date mentioned)