Annette /Staff Reporter
On December 20, 2005, New York City transportation workers walked out after negotiations for a new contract broke down over increases in wages pensions, and retirement benefits. The TWU members make the lowest income in all New York City Metropolitan area. The 37-month contract terminated on December 15, 2005, which interfered with the economy just during the Christmas shopping havoc. The two-day strike ended after a new contract was accepted by the Local 100 of TWU.
Now New York City is facing an even bigger motive for strike with, COVID-19. Hospital workers union pushes for a raise during the ongoing pandemic; Healthcare workers are demanding a 23 percent increase over the course of three years. About 2,000 hospital workers walked out of the Mercy Hospital in Buffalo due to poor working conditions making it impossible to provide proper care to patients.
A recent spike in cases due to the delta variant is causing hospitals to suspend non-emergencies including labour. A contract written under 80 hospitals and nursing homes expires September 30, 2021; Greatly affect those families with members hospitalized with covid. NYC regional hospitals have lost about $1 billion just in 2020 just from the pandemic.
Another strike took place in Bronx, where produce workers doubled their raise and inspired New York. 1,400 drivers and warehouse workers won their strike after six days off the job. The representatives of Teamsters Local 202, working at the worlds largest wholesale produce market, Hunts Point Produce Market. Distributing 60 percent of fruits and vegetables for grocery stores and restaurants in New York.
Prior to the strike, employers were offering a raise of 32 cents an hour and wanted to increase pay for health care costs. “They don’t even require workers to wear masks at work,” he said. “They also took the hand washing stations out back in September. It’s like they decided that Covid was over.” said Frankie, a loyal associate of 28 years with the company. They settled to a raise of 70 cents an hour and stopped the company from increasing what employees pay for health care benefits.