(LONG ISLAND CITY) – Unionized New York City School Architects, Engineers and Technical Professionals rallied with community leaders in front of School Construction Authority (SCA) Headquarters in Long Island City late last week in an attempt to bring SCA back to the bargaining table as wages and benefits for 300-plus Workers hang in the balance.

SCA Workers haven’t had a raise since before the Coronavirus Pandemic and the contract that covers School Architects, Engineers and Technical Professionals who ensure New York City school building safety expired three years ago in 2021. 

The Union has been through 14 sessions of bargaining with SCA without an agreement and the SCA will not commit to another bargaining date, which leaves the wages and benefits of 300-plus American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees (AFSCME) DC37/Local 1740 Members uncertain and affects the City’s Public School Construction Projects.

There's currently a 20% vacancy rate among these Employees who Working Families rely on to make sure building schools keep both children and our Educators safe, a bevy of Labor Officials say, adding the very best must be retained and recruited. 

That’s why, Labor Representatives say, it is so critical they get a fair contract with the wages and benefits they deserve.

Check Out More Photos From The Rally Along With Updates Here.