NYC and Teamsters Local 237 – the union that represents municipal employees like school safety agents and hospital police – struck a $293 million tentative contract agreement on Monday.
The five-year, retroactive deal covers the 9,000 employees with increases dating back to April 2022, at 3%.
“The men and women who protect our schools, our hospitals, and our shelters, and all of the members of Teamsters Local 237, work tirelessly to serve our city, and we are pleased to have reached this tentative agreement to provide them with the pay they deserve,” said Mayor Eric Adams in a prepared statement.
“This agreement provides for fair wage increases and a quicker route to top pay to ensure we continue to recruit and retain the top talent for the best workforce in the best city in the world.”
Workers will continue their 3% pay hike in 2023, 2024 and 2025 and that will rise to 3.25% by 2026 – amounting to a 16.21% compounded increase.
The arrangement follows the pattern set by previous agreements with DC37 and the United Federation of Teachers.
City Hall said now they’ve now come to settlements covering nearly 80% of all city workers.
But the deal is sweetened by one time, $3,000 lump sum bonuses due to all members once the contract is voted on and approved.
School safety agents and special officers – like hospital and homeless services police – gain an added plus, as they will now reach top pay after five years of service instead of seven years.
“Our members, who work tirelessly to help keep the city up and running, now know that their efforts are recognized and rewarded,” said Gregory Floyd, Teamsters president, in a statement.
“This contract victory also underscores the importance of solidarity as union members. We have the vision and voice of all working people who deserve and demand dignity and fairness in the workplace. Workers’ rights are human rights, and this accomplishment celebrates the fact that, today, the two have come together.”