Hunts Point Produce Market
Hunts point is a produce market that has been around since 1790, originating in Manhattan, and then later moved to 113 acres in the Bronx, NY. Over the years they have provided up to 60% of the produce in New York by sourcing a wide variety of fruits and vegetables from 49 states and 55 countries. They estimate that 210 million packages of produce pass through the market every year. This is also a place where merchants and family owned businesses have been able to establish and maintain their business, even through the COVID-19 pandemic. The full list of merchants can be found on their website. It is a complex system of farmers, importers, wholesalers, merchants, restaurateurs, and small businesses.
Hunts Point is surviving the pandemic thus far, and good thing because not only do they do all the above mentioned, they also partner with important food initiatives like City Harvest, Feeding Westchester, and Food Bank For New York City. These partnerships increase access to nutritious food to communities in need across the 5 boroughs. Without these initiatives, many people would indeed go hungry.
Luckily, Hunts Point has been able to stay in business and retain most of their valued employees throughout the pandemic. However, rising costs and tough circumstances has incited workers to demand more rights. Upon asking for a reasonable $1 raise and increased health care coverage after risking their lives daily and witnessing co-workers infected and even succumbing to COVID-19, the Local 202 market workers were counter offered a $0.32 pay increase. The corporation for which they work has acknowledged them as essential and is well aware that without their workers, fresh food would be compromised. With the support of their union, community, and some elected officials, the market workers will continue to strike until they get what they deserve.
“It’s not good enough just to clap for them, and say they’re essential. When they asked for a decent raise, a fair number, they should be told, ‘Yes, you can have that, and thank you,'” said Teamsters Local 202 President Danny Kane.
According to the market, business was down 30% due to the pandemic and the strike will negatively impact its members and their community. Hopefully, the two parties can negotiate and come to an agreement that works.Hopefully, management will recognize their employees perseverance and come to an agreement that is just.