Seven staff members at the Hudson Hill Condominium in Midtown West have gone on strike, leaving residents of the luxury building to handle tasks like opening doors and taking out trash. The workers, represented by 32BJ SEIU, began picketing on Wednesday after an 18-month negotiation period for a union contract failed to yield an agreement with the condo board.
The employees, including doormen and porters, voted to join the union at the end of 2024 with the aim of increasing their hourly wages. According to union representatives, the condo board has not engaged in good-faith negotiations since then. Terrence Jackson, the building's lead doorman for 17 years, expressed his desire for job security and fair treatment, particularly after working extended hours, including during the COVID-19 pandemic, when he performed duties beyond his typical role.
Henry Santana, a building maintenance worker, highlighted financial challenges, stating he has been unable to afford knee surgery following a 2023 injury due to the high deductible and insufficient weekly worker's compensation. He noted that a union contract would provide 100% employer-paid insurance, guaranteed paid sick leave, and paid time off, which would allow him to recover without severe financial strain.
The union alleges that the condo board has violated federal labor law and may owe workers more than $100,000 in unpaid prevailing wages. These wages were reportedly tied to a now-expired tax abatement that required such payments. 32BJ SEIU is pursuing legal action to recover these back wages.
Hudson Hill Condominium, completed in 2008, is a 10-story, 67-unit building located near Billionaires Row. Amenities include full-time doormen, a concierge, a gym, and an outdoor seating area. Currently, five apartments in the building are listed for sale, with prices ranging from $900,000 for a one-bedroom unit to approximately $2.2 million for a three-bedroom residence.
Kevin Stavris, executive vice president of 32BJ SEIU, stated that it is "insulting" for the condo board to deny workers the wages, healthcare, and pensions necessary to support their families, given the essential services they provide to residents. A rally for the striking workers is scheduled for 5 p.m. Sequoia Property Management, which manages the building, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.