Construction work came to a halt on Wednesday at 30 New York City sites as cement workers went on strike following the expiration of a collective bargaining agreement at midnight.
The Related Cos.’ Hudson Yards megadevelopment and Time Equities’ 50 West Street condo tower were among the projects that saw work stop, Crain’s reported. The striking workers belong to the New York City District Council of Carpenters and are in a dispute with a trade organization called the Cement League, which is made up of contractors who erect concrete skeletons.
While a council spokesperson said they want a contract that is fair for both parties, the Cement League said that the workers walked away from the bargaining table.
“We were told to take it or leave it,” said Michael Salgo, executive director of the Cement League. “And it wasn’t a good enough deal to take.”
Unions have been struggling recently as large developers like JDS Development Group turn to nonunion labor, which they say can save up to 30 percent on labor costs. [Crain’s] — Tess Hofmann