By Eric Klein
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The week long strike by workers at Hunts Point Produce Market ended this weekend with an agreement for slightly higher wages, authorities said.
Members of Teamsters Local 202, whose ranks have been hit hard by COVID-19, had sought a $1 hourly wage increase amid the pandemic. Instead, they will receive a phased increase of $1.85 per hour over the next three years, authorities said.
The first year’s increase – 70 cents – is the largest. Employers will also kick in 40 cents an hour toward health care costs under the agreement.
The wholesale food market has remained open during the pandemic, at great risk to workers. Six have died of the virus and approximately 300 suffered known infections.