UNION BASICS

The New York City doorperson union, Local 32BJ, puts the membership at about 20,000. As of July 1, 2007, each earns $18.44 an hour, or just over $38,000 annually. But a building’s total cost for one full-timer, including payroll taxes and benefits, is about $63,000 a year. Many doorpersons supplement their salary with part-time jobs.

Overtime is paid at time-and-a-half, but many buildings save by bringing in less costly part-time doorpersons.

Average Christmas tips usually range from $4,000 to $6,000 and can go as high as $10,000 or more, depending on the size and location of the building.

Every three years, the union negotiates with a panel representing building owners led by James Berg, president of the Realty Advisory Board (RAB). That negotiation sets the pay scales and benefits for unionized properties – the bulk of the city’s residential buildings. The contract that came into effect April 2006 runs four years, expiring on June 30, 2010.

Although your building manager is usually responsible for hiring, the board should be part of the interview process since it's they and other residents who'll be regularly interacting with the person.

– Renee Serlin