around 1,400 workers who distribute and pack 60% of the food in the new york metropolitan area are on strike after asking for a $1 raise and getting an offer of merely $0.32 from management. theyve been working full time throughout COVID, and instead of being respected as one of the most essential groups of workers literally keeping the city functioning, theyre being patronized by their bosses. the strike, which is going 24/7, is the first strike like this in nyc in 35 years.
“The contract is over and they came back with 32 cents. A lot of the guys died with me here. We kept this place open. I don’t think it’s fair…While the bosses were home. I was here working for them. We are essential workers. We kept their business open. It means something to me. We should be appreciated. They got money, they got millions. They didn’t share it with us. We deserve that or more,” said Marcos. When I first arrived at the picket, Marcos, a Puerto Rican who has been working at Hunts Point for over 20 years, was holding a book about the Teamster Rebellion by Pharell Dobs. He explained that he’s reading the book because “it teaches you about how the union started. I wanna learn more. I wanna have more power. I want more people to have a union. Because without a union, we’re going to lose power in this country. So, the more knowledge I get, the better I become.”
“Workers around need to stand up. We need respect. And if other workers go on strike, Local 202 will be there to support, like you all are supporting us now.”
“The work we have is hard. It’s not just anyone that can do it. You get really tired physically and also psychologically. Right now, there are 60 trucks out there and they don’t have people to unload them. Why? Because they need us. They brought in new people to work. But they can’t. But we’re the ones who know how to do it. You need to be trained. That’s why I’m so thankful for my older co-workers. Some who have been here 20, 30 years. Who left their whole lives at Hunts Point Market. They taught us young ones to work the machines. And now they are teaching us to fight.”
nyc democratic socialists of america is helping to provide the striking workers with hot food, coffee, and hand warmers. if youd like to contribute, check out their document on how to donate or bring supplies