The Service Employees International Union Local 32BJ Holds a Rally in Midtown

SEIU marches up Sixth Ave via @BuckSexton on Twitter

Union members set up a stage and sound system via @Ihadtotryit on Twitter

Ydanis Rodriguez stands in support with the SEIU via @ydanis on Twitter

The crowd gathers via @NYC10007 on Twitter

Workers gather at 47th Street and Sixth Ave via @deeeahndra on Twitter

SEIU jumbo video screens via @BuckSexton on Twitter

Ydanis Rodriguez is joined by Scott Stringer, Jumaane Williams, Melissa Mark-Viverito, and Letitia James via @ydanis on Twitter

The SEIU Local 32BJ Building Workers Union held a rally in Midtown on Wednesday afternoon to draw attention to their ongoing contract disputes. The disagreement is over proposed changes to their contract with property owners, which expires at the end of the calendar year and would “take benefits and wages away from the people who work hard every day” if it is not amended.

Today’s demonstration was the first of many proposed rallies throughout the region. On December 15th, there are rallies planned for Newark, White Plains, Stamford, and Hartford

Thousands of New York City office cleaners and other commercial building workers marched and rallied through the streets of Midtown Manhattan today during rush hour to demand a fair contract from the Realty Advisory Board

- 32BJ

The union, which represents doormen, security officers, food service workers, and various other building service workers, has threatened to walk-out or strike if their demands for benefits and health care are not met. For more information, read the press release on the official 32BJ website.

Check out the video below for a cheery holiday message from Charlie Cleaner and Mr. Real Estate: