AOC cheers wage increase for Teamsters at NYC produce market
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez celebrated a wage improve for Teamsters staff at a Bronx produce market, following a week-long strike that was set to finish Sunday.
“Our meals produce staff wished a $1 increase after risking their lives in COVID. They have been denied, requested to pay extra for healthcare, & informed ‘you’re fortunate to actually have a job,’” she tweeted Saturday afternoon of the Hunts Level Produce Market staff. “In order that they went on strike. Group supported them. Now they’re getting a $1.85 increase and $0 out of pocket.”
Ocasio-Cortez spent Inauguration Day picketing with the 1,400 Native 202 members who workers the market — which provides 60 p.c of the area’s produce.
Ninety-seven p.c of union members formally voted Saturday morning on a brand new contract that may enhance their hourly wages by $1.85 over the course of three years, Native 202 President Danny Kane Jr. stated.
The primary crew was set to return to work at 2 a.m. Sunday.
“It’s not usually that staff take their destiny of their arms and resolve to place their arms collectively to battle for a greater tomorrow. These staff did that,” stated Kane Jr. whereas celebrating the wage improve with a champagne toast outdoors the union’s Bronx headquarters, flanked by state Assemblywoman Anada Septimno and Metropolis Councilman Rafael Salamanca.
