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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 15, 2022

Thousands of union members rally for new collective bargaining contract

Wages, Healthcare and Telework at the forefront of city employees’ requests

NEW YORK— Thousands of public workers gathered Wednesday evening at Foley Square in Manhattan to advocate for a new collective bargaining agreement between District Council 37 (DC 37) and the City of New York. DC 37 is the city’s largest public employee union, representing broad disciplines such as nursing, sanitation, EMS, library science, accounting and professional technicians. Approximately 100,000 City employees will be covered by the new contract.

“After more than two years of this pandemic, it’s time we stand up for what is right, move forward, and engage the City to come to the table and negotiate a fair and just contract,” said Henry Garrido, Executive Director for DC 37. “Our members have told us what difficulties they’re confronting in the workplace and at home. We’re determined to secure a new agreement with this administration that provides a wage increase, affordable healthcare and working conditions, including telework policies, that allow for safety and flexibility in this new reality.”

A contract that addresses these issues requires the collaboration and innovation of union and City leaders.

“Our city’s essential workers deserve to have a contract that provides fair pay, strong benefits and safe working conditions,” Speaker Adrienne Adams said at Wednesday’s rally. “DC 37 members stepped up to the frontlines and supported New Yorkers during the toughest moments of the pandemic. The City can show its appreciation not just through words, but also meaningful actions. I stand in solidarity with DC 37 in its call for a fair contract to uplift essential workers and allow them and their families to thrive with dignity.”

“For decades, DC 37 has been at the forefront of the labor movement,” said Council Member Carmen De La Rosa, Chair of the Civil Service and Labor Committee. “Born out of struggle, DC 37 workers have fought for better wages and conditions since their first collective bargaining election in 1956. As New York City’s largest public employee union, representing 150,000 members and 89,000 retirees, I am in solidarity with the DC 37 members. As front-line workers, they deserve a fair contract that meets these critical needs.”

“As the New York City’s largest public employee union, DC 37 members are the heart and soul of this town. These essential workers were there for us during our darkest days, and they deserve a fair and just contract without delay. It’s not enough to call these workers essential, we must pay them like they are essential. I stand with DC 37 today and every day,” said Council Member Justin Brennan, Chair of the Finance Committee.

Contract negotiations will begin in the coming months.