Zohran Mamdani Strikes With Workers on the Picket Line

Mayoral Candidate Supports Striking Workers in Bronx

Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani, a leading candidate for mayor, recently visited striking pharmaceutical workers in the Bronx, showing his support and solidarity with the union members on the picket line. The event was met with enthusiastic cheers from the workers, many of whom are immigrants, who have been on strike since September 2.

The strike began when negotiations between Teamsters Local 210 and Perrigo Pharmaceutical broke down. Over 200 workers are involved in the strike, which has drawn attention to the ongoing labor disputes in the area. During his speech, Mamdani emphasized that the decision to go on strike was not made by the workers but rather by the management. He stated that workers do not want to be on strike; they want to work, but if they are asked to work more hours, they deserve fair wages.

Perrigo, an Ireland-based company, is one of the largest manufacturers of generic over-the-counter drugs. They produce a wide range of products, including off-label hemorrhoid cream and cough syrup. The core issue in the dispute is the company's plan to eliminate overtime pay during weekend operations as it transitions to a 24-hour schedule. Currently, workers are scheduled for four 10-hour shifts per week and can choose to work a weekend shift for additional pay.

The union claims that Perrigo plans to mandate 12-hour shifts, making weekend shifts part of the regular schedule instead of an option. This would result in workers no longer being eligible for overtime pay. Lydia Torres, vice president of Local 210, expressed concerns about the impact on working-class New Yorkers, stating that Perrigo wants to make it harder for them to afford the city by cutting overtime protections and retirement security.

Despite six rounds of negotiations, the union has reported that Perrigo has attempted to hire replacement workers. Outside the Bronx facility, help-wanted flags were displayed, and workers marched outside chanting "no more union busting" into a bullhorn. A giant inflatable rat was placed at the gate as a symbol of the company's practices.

On September 11, the union filed an unfair labor practice charge with the National Labor Relations Board, accusing Perrigo of failing to bargain in good faith and attempting to negotiate directly with workers on the picket line. The union also claimed that the company threatened employees with permanent replacements.

In response, Perrigo shared a fact sheet with DISCOVER TRENDS, denying any bad faith bargaining. The company stated that they will not force current employees to work 12-hour shifts, with the proposal applying only to new hires after January 1, 2026. They also mentioned reaching tentative agreements with the union, including wage and benefit increases and a modified proposal for a 12-hour shift.

Bradley Joseph, Perrigo’s vice president of corporate communications, expressed disappointment that the union rejected the company’s offer, emphasizing their commitment to providing consumers with important self-care products. He noted that no union members have been displaced at this time.

Mamdani's visit to the picket line energized the workers, as he was the only mayoral candidate present that morning. One worker, Johannes Cameron, an immigrant from Jamaica, initially planned to vote for former Gov. Andrew Cuomo but changed his mind after meeting Mamdani. Cameron praised Mamdani for understanding the struggles of immigrants and for supporting the workers.

Mamdani pledged to continue fighting alongside the workers, highlighting the importance of standing up for what they are owed. His presence and support have had a significant impact on the workers, reinforcing the importance of solidarity and advocacy in the face of labor disputes.