Mayor Eric Adams, Renee Campion reach landmark contract agreement with sanitation workers’ union

In a historic development, New York City Mayor Eric Adams, alongside OLR Commissioner Renee Campion, announced a groundbreaking tentative contract agreement with the Uniformed Sanitation Workers’ Union Local 831, a move set to significantly impact the lives of the men and women responsible for maintaining the city’s cleanliness.

This agreement not only represents a significant milestone in labor relations but also underscores Mayor Adams’ commitment to the city’s workforce.

The contract, spanning a substantial five years and two months, is set to cover around 7,100 sanitation workers in New York City.

It is retroactive, commencing on December 28, 2022, and extends until February 27, 2028.

Key highlights of the agreement include pattern-conforming wage increases ranging from 3.25 to 4.00 percent, aligning with agreements made with other unions, such as the Police Benevolent Association, in this year’s round of negotiations.

Furthermore, the agreement paves the way for substantial pay improvements, with an aim to raise starting salaries to $50,000 by the end of the contract term. In a significant step, non-birth parents will also benefit from a new paid parental leave benefit, entitling them to a week of parental leave at full pay.

The agreement introduces an update in how workforce efficiency around waste collection is measured.

While prior contracts specified separate targets for refuse and recyclables, the new agreement introduces a single “all materials” target, recognizing the evolving landscape of waste management in the city as curbside composting expands.

Mayor Adams expressed his gratitude for the dedication and hard work of sanitation workers and their role in rejuvenating the city’s cleanliness

Commissioner Campion commended the contract for recognizing the vital work performed by sanitation workers and providing them with well-deserved wage increases and parental leave benefits.

Commissioner Jessica Tisch of the New York City Department of Sanitation also emphasized the contributions of sanitation workers in transforming the city and praised their partnership with the union.

Union President Harry Nespoli lauded the collaborative effort between the union and the agency, which has yielded benefits for the city’s residents while ensuring fair compensation and benefits for the workforce.

“The total cost of this historic agreement is approximately $400 million through Fiscal Year 2027 and is fully funded in the Labor Reserve.”

It’s important to note that the agreement is pending ratification by the union’s membership, but it undoubtedly represents a significant step forward in ensuring the well-being of the city’s sanitation workers and maintaining New York City’s reputation as one of the cleanest big cities in America.