Thousands of NYC Building Workers Prepare to Authorize Strike

Union representing 34,000 doormen, porters, and superintendents could walk off the job next week if a new contract isn't reached.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 10:07pm

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A close-up photograph of a shiny, chrome-plated doorknob and a set of keys resting on a plain, white background, symbolizing the essential role of building workers in maintaining residential properties across New York City.The tools of the trade for New York City's building workers, whose contract negotiations could soon lead to a citywide strike.NYC Today

More than 34,000 workers for residential buildings in New York City, including doormen, porters, and superintendents, could walk off the job next week if an agreement can't be reached in the coming days. Thousands of members of 32BJ will rally and vote to authorize a strike on Wednesday, with the results potentially paving the way for workers to strike as early as next Tuesday.

Why it matters

A strike by building workers could significantly disrupt daily life for thousands of New York City residents, as these workers are responsible for maintaining and operating many of the city's residential buildings. The negotiations over wages, pensions, healthcare, and other key issues reflect the ongoing tensions between workers and employers in the real estate industry.

The details

The main sticking points in the negotiations include wages, pensions, the formation of Tier II structure, and healthcare. Under the current four-year deal, members have full family coverage and do not contribute money to the plan. However, the Realty Advisory Board insists that model isn't sustainable, pointing out the average door person makes about $62,000 a year, but costs employers more than $112,000, partly because of healthcare. The Realty Advisory Board says it also has to add in the possibility of a 0% increase on rent-stabilized apartments.

  • The vote to authorize a strike is set for 3 p.m. on Wednesday, April 16, 2026.
  • If the strike is authorized, workers could walk off the job as early as next Tuesday, April 22, 2026.

The players

32BJ

A labor union representing more than 34,000 building workers in New York City, including doormen, porters, and superintendents.

Realty Advisory Board

An organization that represents building owners and managers in negotiations with 32BJ.

Izzy Torres

A 31-year veteran doorman at The Majestic on the Upper West Side, following in his father's footsteps.

Mark Blechner

An Upper West Side resident who recalls the last building workers' strike in 1991, which lasted 12 days.

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What they’re saying

“If we have to, we will stay here whatever time it takes for us to get what we deserve.”

— Izzy Torres, Doorman

“My son is 22 and he's still under my healthcare, we have to fight for that.”

— Izzy Torres, Doorman

“The building occupants got together and kept the building going.”

— Mark Blechner, Upper West Side resident

What’s next

The vote to authorize a strike is set for 3 p.m. on Wednesday, April 16, 2026. If the strike is authorized, workers could walk off the job as early as next Tuesday, April 22, 2026.

The takeaway

This potential strike by building workers in New York City highlights the ongoing tensions between labor and management in the real estate industry. The negotiations over wages, benefits, and working conditions reflect the broader challenges facing workers in the service and maintenance sectors, as they seek to maintain their standard of living in the face of rising costs and employer demands for concessions.