32BJ strike: NYC building workers vote to authorize strike that could impact 1.5 million residents
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NEW YORK - Thousands of New York City building service workers voted on Wednesday to approve a strike that could disrupt services for more than 1.5 million residents.
Is 32BJ SEIU going on strike?
A doorman outside a building in the Upper East Side neighborhood of New York, US, on Tuesday, April 14, 2026. Photographer: Michael Nagle/Bloomberg via Getty Images
What we know:
Members of 32BJ SEIU, the nation’s largest property service workers union, gathered on Wednesday afternoon for a strike authorization vote as contract negotiations with the Realty Advisory Board on Labor Relations (RAB) remain unresolved.
Workers held up signs reading "Yes" to approve the vote, which appeared nearly unanimous.
Members of 32BJ SEIU vote to authorize a strike if the union does reach a new contract agreement with the Realty Advisory Board on Labor Relations by April 20. The union represents thousands of residential building workers, including doorpersons, por
Why did they vote to authorize a strike?
Local perspective:
The vote comes days before the current four-year labor agreement expires on April 20. The contract covers about 34,000 residential building workers, including doorpersons, porters, superintendents, handypersons and resident managers.
Buildings on Park Avenue in the Upper East Side neighborhood of New York, US, on Tuesday, April 14, 2026. Photographer: Michael Nagle/Bloomberg via Getty Images
What happens if they go on strike?
Why you should care:
A strike could impact roughly 600,000 households across Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens and Staten Island, potentially disrupting essential services such as trash and recycling removal, package handling, building maintenance and front-door security.
Wednesday's vote approves a strike only if the union and the RAB don't reach a deal by that April 20 deadline.
What are they asking for?
A doorman sprays a hose outside a building in the Upper East Side neighborhood of New York, US, on Tuesday, April 14, 2026. Photographer: Michael Nagle/Bloomberg via Getty Images
What they're saying:
Union leaders say the dispute centers on wages, health care and pension benefits. 32BJ SEIU has criticized proposals from the RAB that would require workers to contribute to health care premiums, create a lower-paid tier for future hires, expand the use of temporary workers and weaken contract enforcement.
A doorman opens a door in New York, U.S., on Wednesday, April 20, 2022. Photographer: Jeenah Moon/Bloomberg via Getty Images
The union is seeking to maintain employer-paid health care, secure wage increases to keep pace with the cost of living, strengthen pension benefits and improve working conditions.
The other side:
The RAB responded to the union's demands in a statement Wednesday, citing "mounting pressures" on the real estate industry.
"Without meaningful movement to address cost," the statement read, "the long-term sustainability of the industry and its workforce is at risk. Now is the time for both sides to come together and negotiate a contract that reflects these realities and supports a valuable path forward."
Mayor Mamdani joins workers' rally
Zohran Mamdani, Democratic nominee for New York City Mayor, speaks during a news conference at the headquarters of SEIU Local 32BJ in New York City on July 30, 2025. (Photo by TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP via Getty Images)
Elected officials, labor leaders and residents joined the rally Wednesday, including New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, City Council Speaker Julie Menin, City Comptroller Mark Levine and New York City Central Labor Council President Brendan Griffith.
Mamdani highlighted the work of union members, calling them the ones who keep buildings running in New York City.
Levine vowed to stand with workers in what he called their fight for better pay, healthcare and "a decent retirement."
"I truly hope you do not need to fight, that you do not need to go out on strike, that you do not need to walk a picket line," Levine said. "But if you do, I will be there for you every step of the way."
Contract negotiations continue Thursday
What's next:
Negotiations are ongoing ahead of the April 20 deadline. Labor leaders said they will return to the negotiating table on Thursday.
The Source: This report is based on information from 32BJ SEIU and the Realty Advisory Board on Labor Relations.