Settlement reached between Hunts Point Produce Market, union workers’ demands

A settlement was reached between the Hunts Point Produce Market and union workers' demands Friday night for an extra dollar an hour in pay.

News 12 Staff

Jan 23, 2021, 12:07 PM

Updated 1,349 days ago

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A settlement was reached between the Hunts Point Produce Market and union workers' demands Friday night for an extra dollar an hour in pay.
Dozens of Hunts Point Produce Market workers went on strike and said they wouldn’t step down until they got what they deserved. 
The workers, who had been out for days, had some small fires going to keep themselves warm and took shifts, some demonstrating during the day and others at night.
The workers said they would fight for at least a dollar raise and additional health care support.
The Hunts Point Produce Market had offered them a raise of 32 cents, but those who protested say that's not even close to what they were looking for and called that offer "disrespectful."
They say they're essential to keep the market running and have been working throughout the pandemic, with some getting sick, and others losing their lives. 
They argued that they deserved appreciation and so much more.
In a statement, the market says, "The market remains open for business and we are actively involved in negotiations with the union at this time."
Union President Danny Kane tells News 12 they will release details Saturday morning and says union members will be excited. 
He also tells News 12 that the bargaining committee unanimously voted on the agreement and will recommend it to their members for ratification. 
“We’re excited about the agreement. We came out here to fight for certain principles and defend our contract and defend our agreement and we’re happy to have a new one or a tentative new one and we think our members will be excited about it,” said Kane. 
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez showed up for the second time this week to show her support. She, along with Rep. Ritchie Torres, sent a letter to the Biden administration asking the federal government to get involved. 
“Every single worker in the United States has the right of free assembly and to unionize in their workplace and they should be free from intimidation and so where those rights are being violated, we have to make sure that we’re standing up and protecting our Bronxites protecting every person in this country for their right to form a union so we felt that that was necessary in this case with some of the tussles that were going on earlier this week and we want to make sure that every single worker here is being protected,” said Rep. Ocasio-Cortez. 
Now, the members will vote on this to settle the strike at 10 a.m. on today.