The world’s largest fresh produce wholesale terminal, Hunts Point Produce Market, has a labor union strike over a wage dispute.
Hunts Point leaders on the Bronx market and the 1,400 member labor union are embroiled in an escalating debate on what’s a fair wage increase.
The market released a statement saying it was coordinating with the New York Police Department and bringing in a private security firm, to assure safe access is maintained for trucks bringing fresh healthy produce in and out of the market, as well as for produce buyers coming to the market to purchase produce.
The cooperative board represents about 30 produce firms, which supply about 60% of the produce for New York City; it also serves the surrounding region.
This will be the first strike at the Hunts Point market in almost 35 years.
The union is seeking a $1 per hour wage increase, and Hunts Point leaders offered 32 cents. The market reports business is down 30% since last spring due to the pandemic. Union workers earn between $30,000 and $40,000 a year, according to Teamsters Local 202.