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New York, NY - 31 Employees of B&H Fired after Taking Steps to Unionize |
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Shortly after all 31 workers signed union cards with the powerful building service workers union, SEIU Local 32BJ, B&H terminated the contract of its cleaning subcontractor, Skyscraper Service Co., the union claims.
"We were told there wasn’t any more work for us," said Dora Munevar, who mopped floors and took out the trash at B&H for nearly six years. "The Skyscraper manager told us we did something bad against the company."
Skyscraper said it terminated the workers because it lost the B&H account and referred inquiries to B&H.
B&H did not return calls seeking comment.
The union is looking into the possibility of filing unfair labor practice charges, a spokesman said.
In this case, since B&H is not the direct employer, the workers must wage any legal battle against the primary employer, Skyscraper. However, there’s nothing to stop them from trying to pressure B&H, a New York institution, in front of its customers.
And that’s just what the workers are doing.
The workers say there was never any sign of trouble until they began to organize with 32BJ to improve their wages and benefits. The cleaners earned as little as $7.50 an hour, without any benefits, and would have doubled their salaries and gotten employer-paid health care had their union drive succeeded.
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Read Comments (60) — Post Yours »
1
Jul 24, 2008 at 12:37 PM Logic Says:
In this economic climate, why should B&H continue to use a company that is going to double their prices? That is just plain ridiculous. In fact, this has nothing to do with B&H at all, if your mechanic told you he has to double his prices because his staff unionized, you would find another mechanic. Guess what folks? Sometimes unions aren't good.
2
Jul 24, 2008 at 12:38 PM Anonymous Says:
The workers should organize against the company that employed them, not their customers. What a bunch of morons. The easiest ppl to replace are cleaning ppl. Now they can join the union with no job.
3
Jul 24, 2008 at 12:56 PM yenta pesha Says:
BH!!!!
4
Jul 24, 2008 at 12:57 PM Thinker Says:
They are giving the best advertisement for the company.
5
Jul 24, 2008 at 01:03 PM Chaim S. Says:
I see that the management of B&H hasn't learned a lesson from the Rubashkin fiasco.
6
Jul 24, 2008 at 01:04 PM Renegade Says:
tofasta meruba lo tofasta
Did these people really think their employers would have no problem with more then doubling their wages?
Especially considering that this is not exactly a highly skilled profession .
7
Jul 24, 2008 at 01:04 PM Anonymous Says:
so now NO JOB and NO BENEFITS.
Thank You Union
8
Jul 24, 2008 at 01:16 PM anonymous Says:
you know noone has to work for you but i dont have to hire you
9
Jul 24, 2008 at 01:19 PM Anonymous Says:
I HAVE A MESSAGE TO FOR THESE MORONS:
"YOU(DO NOT)GO TO B&H"
10
Jul 24, 2008 at 01:26 PM Concerned Member Says:
They'll have to deal with some pressure because 32BJ is one of the more vocal unions in the city. However, they have done nothing wrong because none of these people were directly employed by B&H themselves.
11
Jul 24, 2008 at 01:38 PM Anonymous Says:
Union Is great. It kills all business. SO in this economy, let the union kill whatever Blomberg did not tax or fine to death
12
Jul 24, 2008 at 01:56 PM Anonymous Says:
Amazing... 100 years ago unions were the only protection Jews had against abusive employers in this country. Fresh off the boat their garment worker union reps would feed and employ them. And what about the Triangle Shirtwaist factory fire??
Talk about biting the hand that fed you.. B&H should do the right thing and hire the union back. It's a shandah for the goyim.
13
Jul 24, 2008 at 01:57 PM Anonymous Says:
can someone explain to me why those unions are still legal in the US? it's the only legal mafia organization approved by law.
14
Jul 24, 2008 at 01:59 PM Anonymous Says:
1:57 is right, do a little history check on the violent actions and mafia tactics of the unions throughout the years, it's amazing how they can still function, and are still legal..
I think they're one BIG RAT..
15
Jul 24, 2008 at 02:00 PM Joel AKA John Says:
I'm sure the execs at BH knew what was coming.
I'm sure they consulted with their lawyers before doing something like this.
I worked at BH, the place is run extremely well and professional.
16
Jul 24, 2008 at 02:00 PM Anonymous Says:
these people are crooks
17
Jul 24, 2008 at 02:15 PM Yossele Says:
Unions do nothing for the worker, except in certain hazardous trades (coal mining, etc.)
B&H has no obligation whatsoever to cooperate with any organizaed labor. They did the right thing.
18
Jul 24, 2008 at 02:20 PM Anonymous Says:
anon 1:56
If we listen to you we will pay $39 for a cup of coffee and scrampled eggs
19
Jul 24, 2008 at 02:21 PM Anonymous Says:
I always wonder what these workers were thinking. Of course if they joined a union their wages would double, earn benefits etc. But those additional costs would be passed along to the client (i. B & H). Of course their contract would be terminated. Why should B & H pay double for the service? It's not anti union, it's solid business sense...
20
Jul 24, 2008 at 02:28 PM Anonymous Says:
I klnow the Local 32BJ...
someone usualy gets screwed...
21
Jul 24, 2008 at 02:31 PM avi Says:
Chaim S - what a foolish thing to say! You are comparing cholent to chicken soup!
22
Jul 24, 2008 at 02:36 PM Anonymous Says:
i work in a union facility as an administrator. the reason we have so many problems with our employees is because of the union. since B&H did not hire these individuals directly they are in a good position. I would do the same thing if i had the choice. the union is killing my business.
23
Jul 24, 2008 at 02:36 PM bigwheeel Says:
Anon. 1:56PM. ...B&H should hire them (the workers) back. It's a shanda for the goyim... ...and what do you want them (the goyim) to say; "Good (Jew) boy! You're getting a lollipop!!
Everyone does what's in their [own] best interests!
24
Jul 24, 2008 at 02:43 PM Anonymous Says:
Anon 1:56
Yes, a 100 yrs ago the union was necessary and did a lot of good. That doesn't mean that we still need to respect and appreciate them today, when that is no longer the case.
25
Jul 24, 2008 at 02:50 PM deepthinker Says:
B&H survives online competition by having low prices. If their increased costs price them out of the market, they will go under, and take hundreds of Yiddishe workers down with them.
26
Jul 24, 2008 at 02:51 PM Anonymous Says:
They are a business, They dont sell electronics because they like them but because thats how they make money. To double a salry for an easily replaceable job isnt happening and theres nothing wrong with that, It's good business practice.
27
Jul 24, 2008 at 02:56 PM GOLEM Says:
YOU GO TO B&H FOR CAMERAS
YOU GO TO B&H FOR A MEGA PHOTO/VIDEO STORE
YOU GO TO B&H FOR A NORMAL JOB
YOU GO TO B&H TO LEARN HOW TO RUN A BUSINESS
YOU GO TO B&H TO SEE A FRUM CO. GROWING STRONG
YOU GO TO B&H TO LEARN GOOD BUSINESS PRACTICE
YOU GO TO B&H FOR A JOB AT A HEIMISHE ENVIRONMENT
YOU GO TO B&H TO BE TREATED LIKE A MENCH
YOU GO TO B&H TO LEARN MENTCHLICHKEIT
YOU GO TO B&H NOT TO WORK ON SHABBOS & YOMTOV
YOU GO TO B&H NOT EVEN TO WORK CHOL HAMOED
YOU GO TO B&H TO SEE THAT EHRLICHKEIT PAYS OFF
YOU GO TO B&H TO SEE HEIMISHE YINGLECH AT THE TOP
YOU GO TO B&H TO SEE THAT SATMERER RUV WAS RIGHT
YOU GO TO B&H FOR THE DEFINITION OF KIDUSH HASHEM
YOU GO TO B&H FOR A SELF CONFIDENCE JOB
YOU GO TO B&H TO SEE CHSSIDIM IN GOOD LIGHT
YOU GO TO B&H FOR GOOD BENEFITS
YOU GO TO B&H TO SEE A BUSINESS DO CHESED
YOU GO TO B&H FRIDAY 2PM AND WATCH THEIR GATES
YOU GO TO B&H TO SEE 2000 YIDEN MAKING PARNUSAH
YOU GO TO B&H TO SEE THAT SHABBOS IS NO GAME
YOU GO TO B&H TO BE PROUD OF YOUR FELLOW JEWS
THE LIST GOES ON AND ON
YOURS: THE GOLEM
28
Jul 24, 2008 at 02:57 PM wertsaingelt Says:
Unions killed this country.
Would anyone here hire unionized workers and pay more to get less?
In bthese times when everyone must cut costs to survive they cannot afford increases to to union demands. Would anyone here hire a worker for lets say $15 when he can get the same job done for $10? Of course not.
As far as B&H is concerned, the owners are real Tzaddikim; they employ frum folks and help them make a living instead of being unemployed. I think that over 300 or 400 frum workers are employed there. I would only buy a camera by them even if a competitor were to offer it for a few $$$ less. Their reputation is excellent and one would help fellow jews make a living !!!
29
Jul 24, 2008 at 03:01 PM MAYER Says:
Anon 1:56
if you feel they should be rehired then be my guest and you hire them yourself.
30
Jul 24, 2008 at 03:04 PM Anonymous Says:
b and h has the right to contract out to anyone they please. if the company they have been using is now king for too much hire another one. simple business tactics. nothing illegal
31
Jul 24, 2008 at 03:05 PM Anon Says:
and how much would 32BJ be making off the newly unionized salaried employees? are they willing to sacrfice and take them into the union without taking fees?
32
Jul 24, 2008 at 03:15 PM Anonymous Says:
It's a shandeh?
Are you stupid?
Do you realize that unions is what killed this entire country over the last 35 years?
Don't give us this garbage that we are biting the hand that fed us 50 years ago. This is like saying we should be nice to the Germans since 125 years ago they were good to the jews. Well 60 years ago look what they did to our parents.
Unions for the most part DO NOT protect it's workers. The problem with people in todays work force is either people are underpaid or over paid. There is no middle ground or middle class and making money as a frum person is even harder today unless your going to be a crook.
Being a crook is NOT the answer and we are not going to change anything. Just daven that things should go well for your family and for klal yisroel.
Unions stink and will take money out of your weekly check.
Imagine if jewish establishments unionized do you know what would happen to our businesses?
Businessesw would go nakrupt. kosher milk would be 11.00 a gallon and all other kosher foods would be double in price. B&H would have to charge an extra 20.00 per item to make up the difference for union fees, over time and other stuff.
33
Jul 24, 2008 at 03:23 PM yankel Says:
I see all cleaners are defending the Union. B"H there is a B"H that give parnosoh B"H to so many heimishe families. All you Jew haters that climb on the wagon whenever a fellow jew is in a jam. GO TO IRAN !
34
Jul 24, 2008 at 03:53 PM Annonymous Says:
Power to B&H leting in a union shop like punching a hole on the bottom of your boat.
This is not France!
35
Jul 24, 2008 at 04:01 PM Anonymous Says:
I guess not that Unions finished off GM and Ford - B&H is next!
36
Jul 24, 2008 at 04:36 PM Anonymous Says:
the law in the USA requires an employer to pay at least minimum wage, well, B&H paid more than minimum, so theyre all set. no law requiring a business to bend under pressure of the unions, it's time someone tough wipes off the mafia union in order to save our country.
37
Jul 24, 2008 at 05:08 PM Anonymous Says:
Who needs 32 employees to clean - whats that all about -- you need one good polisha
38
Jul 24, 2008 at 05:14 PM Anonymous Says:
What ever happened to Jimmy Hoffa?
39
Jul 24, 2008 at 05:24 PM Anonymous Says:
You wanna how great the union is? Take a look at the USA auto industry.
nuff said.
40
Jul 24, 2008 at 05:32 PM Anonymous Says:
I would increase security around B&H as these mafioso Unions could try any and all underhanded tactics to damage or destroy them for not giving in to their terrorism (just look at what happened at Agri/Rubashkin) then there are those insane liberals that shout "Shanda for the goyim" and such drivel - then before you know it Uri L'Tzedek types and their ilk will be lurking and demanding a "meeting" with the owners and threatening to boycot them unless they cowtow to the unions.
What is this world coming to - there are people with too much time on their hands and looking to
critsize,find fault and pontificate to any successful business trying to foist their nefarious agendas on these prominently successful
frum enterprises.
41
Jul 24, 2008 at 06:08 PM anonymous Says:
lets make a union to fight the union im sure thats the best way to do it
42
Jul 24, 2008 at 06:12 PM Anonymous Says:
07-24-2008 - 1:56 PM
Based on what your saying you probably beleive that GM should pay healthcare and what not for their employees as well no? the only reason Toyota beat GM this month is because of unions! get rid of all theUnions now and we can turn this economy around!
43
Jul 24, 2008 at 06:56 PM Anonymous Says:
cleaning help get $10 an hour to clean private homes, so why work for B & H for $7.50 an hour.
44
Jul 24, 2008 at 07:40 PM Anonymous Says:
This reminds me of the Rabunim assured lipa's tape....
Free ad
45
Jul 24, 2008 at 07:41 PM Anonymous Says:
07-24-2008 - 6:56 PM
Plus benefits.. (jewelery, cash etc.)
46
Jul 24, 2008 at 07:59 PM Anonymous Says:
B&H can afford to pay a few extra thousand dollars a year. It's a small price to pay for a loyal support staff.
47
Jul 24, 2008 at 08:31 PM bh employee Says:
these people dont work a whole day, they only work at night, let them work a whole day and make a normal salary and the money they make at night should be pocket money and it should not be the money that they depend on because such a low class job does not deserve more they should be happy with what they get
48
Jul 24, 2008 at 09:16 PM Anonymous Says:
Chaim S and Anonymous 07-24-2008 - 1:56 PM
and any 1 else supporting the unions your a group of shotass !!!
I deal with lots of unions
THEY SUCK !!!!
THEY DESTROY EMPLOYEE MORAL & PRODUCTIVITY !!!
49
Jul 24, 2008 at 10:08 PM Anonymous Says:
Just hope the cleaning lady in your home doesn't join a union.
50
Jul 24, 2008 at 10:09 PM Anonymous Says:
As a former employee of B&H I can say the following. If Chas Vshuulem the union gets in there, the amount of Hacjnusas Kallah & Tzeduka Parties will tripple in the frum Brooklyn Community.
51
Jul 24, 2008 at 10:20 PM Anonymous Says:
i believe that there has to be a balance of power between business and unions. Too much power for unions will ultimately drive up costs and make businesses uncompetitive and possibly go bankrupt. On the other hand, powerful businesses can limit competition and exploit workers where ultimately they may monoplise certain industries and also drive up costs for everyone. Sort of like Microsoft with their Windows.
52
Jul 24, 2008 at 10:53 PM BoroParkChusid Says:
The protesters are INCREASING BH business!
People come from all over for cheap prices (and quality). when they listen to these morons, they likely think "Great! THAT's how they keep the price down!" The customer feel real comfortable that he is getting a good price.
Cranes article is a great free advertisement for BH.
53
Jul 24, 2008 at 11:13 PM Anonymous Says:
maybe this is one of the seven wonders of bh
54
Jul 25, 2008 at 12:40 AM an Accountant and Business person Says:
What the unions did 100 years ago was a good thing for employees it protected them, but everything the unions did back then is now Federal law. Their is minimum wage law, over time pay, legal holiday day off, non discrimination based on color, race or religion. So we don't need the unions any more. If a job is worth a certain dollar amount that is what it is worth to the owner/boss if you don't want to do the job for that price - you can always find someone else that will!
55
Jul 25, 2008 at 01:28 AM Anonymous Says:
"Anonymous 07-24-2008 - 7:59 PM"
Says:
B&H can afford to pay a few extra thousand dollars a year. It's a small price to pay for a loyal support staff.
YOU MUST BE THEIR ACCOUNTANT SO YOU KNOW THEY HAVE EXTRA CASH, AND YOU CAN TELL THEM WHAT TO DO WITH IT.RIGHT?? I UNDERSTAND..
Maybe give it to a mishpocha that needs food for shabbos and cloths for their kids?
Just a thought
56
Jul 25, 2008 at 09:10 AM Anonymous Says:
Maybe if OUR parents would have unionized when they worked in the sweatshops when they came to this country, they would have had a small pension for them to help them live on today when they are strugling on their meak Social Security checks.
In these sweatshops they were taken advantage of by their frum bosses as they had no one to stand up for them to protect them and as newly arrived imigrants they were thankful for the jobs.
57
Jul 25, 2008 at 09:41 AM deepthinker Says:
Most unions that I am aquainted with are run by gangsters.
58
Jul 25, 2008 at 09:59 AM Anonymous Says:
As someone who has dealt with the union in the past I can tell you that if B&H would hire 31 union employees (from 32BJ) it would cost them over $600,000.00 more than if they would hire 31 non union employees.
59
Jul 25, 2008 at 10:00 AM Anonymous Says:
$600,000.00 would be the annual number
60
Jul 27, 2008 at 10:35 AM the fixer Says:
B&H should (in an effort to fix the public image issues) consider giving the previous skylight company a 15% increase to give their workers a little more money. Hoepully, that will repair the damage of all of these poor employees losing their jobs so suddenly and will also send a signal that unionizing only makes sense for a position that cannot be replaced in a heartbeat.
B&H isn't a cheapo company, anyone who really knows them knows they recently went from a 6 day to 5 day work week for hundreds of their employees and didn't lower their salaries either.
The managers and owners are gomleiy chesed when it makes sense, but their not going to make idiotic decisions to double a "cleaning persons" wages via the strong arm tactics of a Union.
Bottom line, B&H will not suffer for this, but 31 (probably nice people too) workers lost their jobs overnight because some jerk had an idea to improve their life at the cost of killing it for everyone!
Kudos to B&H!!!!!!!