One week after building workers at Co-op city went on strike over alleged proposed wage freezes, the RiverBay Corp. has officially ended its lockout of the workers. Local 32BJ president Kyle Bragg said in a press release, "I am pleased to announce that RiverBay has accepted the union’s offer to return to work and resume contract negotiations. We hope that we can reach a fair agreement that is good for workers and Co-op City residents."
Over 500 workers went on strike last week after contract negotiations broke down. Workers claimed RiverBay Corp. wanted to impose a four-year wage freeze and replace their current health plan with one that offered less coverage. However, RiverBay claimed that they had proposed a 2.33% wage increase every year for the next four years, and it was 32BJ that walked out of contract negotiations. Negotiations will resume, and workers will return to their jobs. Bragg said, "The men and women who keep Co-op City running deserve quality health care and a fair wage just as of Co-op City residents deserve top quality service and maintenance—not the mounting piles of garbage and reduced services that they’ve been forced to endure for the past week." But wherever will the raccoons and possums go?!
