NYC Residential Building Workers Authorize Strike as Contract Talks Stall

Union representing doorpersons, porters, supers and handypersons vote to strike if demands not met by Monday contract expiration

Apr. 17, 2026 at 5:55pm

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A minimalist, high-contrast studio photograph featuring a sleek, metallic key sculpture floating against a plain grey background, conveying the abstract concept of locked negotiations between two parties.As contract talks between NYC residential building workers and property owners reach an impasse, a symbolic key sculpture captures the high stakes and locked negotiations.NYC Today

Negotiations between the Service Employees International Union - Local 32BJ and the Realty Advisory Board on Labor Relations to avoid a residential building worker strike in New York City have reached an impasse, with the union voting to authorize a strike on Wednesday. The current contract expires on Monday, and a work stoppage could soon follow if the two sides do not reach a deal on higher wages, better pensions, benefits protections and lower health care costs.

Why it matters

A strike by the more than 34,000 32BJ employees who maintain and operate residential buildings across New York City would cause a citywide scramble for landlords and their tenants, disrupting essential services like door attendance, maintenance, repairs, trash and recycling, and move-ins and move-outs.

The details

The union says the Realty Advisory Board on Labor Relations, or RAB, is not meeting their demands so far. The RAB president has previously cited mounting industry pressures, including the Mamdani administration's plans to freeze rents, as factors complicating negotiations. Historically, these negotiations have gone down to the wire, with the last building worker strike authorization in 2022 resulting in a last-minute agreement.

  • The current contract expires on Monday, April 22, 2026.
  • The union voted to authorize a strike on Wednesday, April 17, 2026.

The players

Service Employees International Union - Local 32BJ

The union representing over 34,000 residential building workers in New York City, including doorpersons, porters, supers and handypersons.

Realty Advisory Board on Labor Relations (RAB)

The industry group representing landlords and property managers in negotiations with the 32BJ union.

Zohran Mamdani

The Mayor of New York City, who expressed support for the 32BJ workers as they voted to authorize the strike.

Julie Menin

The New York City Council Speaker, who also voiced support for the 32BJ workers during the strike authorization vote.

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What they’re saying

“We have your back. We love 32BJ and we are here to make sure you are getting the pay and the health care and the dignity you deserve.”

— Julie Menin, New York City Council Speaker

“I know that I'm speaking to those who maintain multimillion dollar apartments, and then, when they get home, struggle with how they can make rent on the first of the month.”

— Zohran Mamdani, New York City Mayor

What’s next

If no deal is reached by Monday, April 22nd, the 32BJ union workers could go on strike, disrupting residential building operations across New York City.

The takeaway

This looming strike highlights the ongoing tensions between residential building workers seeking better pay and benefits, and property owners facing economic pressures that complicate negotiations. The outcome could have significant impacts on New York City's housing landscape and quality of life for both tenants and building staff.