Striking Service Workers Blow Whistle On New Building Owners

Whistles blew and trash strewed the streets as over 70 building service workers and tenants held a rally recently in support of six local attendants who lost their jobs due to a buy-out. The workers are members of the Service Employees International Union, Local 32BJ, who have been striking since the beginning of September.
Previously, the Union members had been making between $15 and $16 per hour in wages, along with full health and pension benefits. In August, Sky View Towers, 47-50 59th St. was sold to new owners, including Joseph Pistilli, CEO of Pistilli Realty Group. The new owners refused to rehire the workers.
"They brought in non-union workers for half the wages," said Anthony Spataro, a Queens 32BJ leader. "Just to save a little money theyre throwing away people who have given years of their lives to his building."
Antonio Morales, a 27- year veteran service worker from the building said, "I lost everything! I had only seven years left until retirement."
Tenants also came out to show their support.
"We really miss them, theyre family," said building resident Cynthia Taylor.
Aurora Alvarez, another tenant, added, "Theyre good guys, we need them back. Since theyve been out, nothing is fixed in the building."
Workers have been picketing in front of the building every day for five weeks, and will continue to until something is done.