Hunts Point Produce Market workers go on strike for first time in 35 years

After wage negotiations broke down last week, workers at the formidable Hunts Point Produce Market in the Bronx went on strike for the first time in 35 years, according to Grub Street. Hunts Point is the largest produce market in the world; 60 percent of New York City’s fruits and vegetables pass through the market on the way to their final destination. The strikers’ demands are for a dollar-an-hour more pay and better health care benefits, and the strike was only launched after management counter-offered paltry $0.32/hour raises instead. Democratic Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and other lawmakers have visited the strike zone to speak with and support the workers. Local police have been aggressive with the strikers, physically pushing back against the crowd and making multiple arrests. On Wednesday night, 21 train cars bearing produce turned around in solidarity with the workers. As of press time, there were no noted disruptions to NYC’s fruit and vegetable supply, but WNYC suggests it might be time to “stock up on bananas and root vegetables.”