Steve Cohen To Pay Mets Seasonal Workers In Offseason

In order to financially assist those who did not work a single game during the pandemic in 2020, future New York Mets owner Steve Cohen worked out a deal with the three unions that represent Citi Field seasonal employees such as food service workers, janitors and security guards, he would pay each $500 a month this offseason. This of course is pending the November owners vote to allow Cohen to take over the team.

Bill Granfield, president of UNITE HERE Local 100, Kyle Bragg, president of SEIU Local 32BJ and Richard Lanigan, business manager of OPEIU Local 153, the heads of the three unions that represent the seasonal workers — said in a joint statement:

“On behalf of the over 1,000 employees our unions collectively represent, we are extraordinarily grateful to Steve Cohen for this multi-million dollar commitment to help the seasonal workers of Citi Field.

“During this period of uncertainty, the food service employees, custodians, concessions staff and other vital workers are struggling to make ends meet while the stadium remains closed. There is no question that this pledge of financial assistance represents a lifeline for these hardworking families.

“We look forward to the quick approval of the sale of the Mets to Mr. Cohen to ensure our members can begin receiving the resources they need in this unprecedented time.”

The deal would cover 1,140 workers over five months, which would come out to $2,500 per person between November and Opening Day. That would be a $2.85 million commitment if Cohen’s ownership is approved.

The New York Post has learned that according to two sources briefed on this matter, Cohen’s representatives started these conversations and negotiations were quick. If approved, Steve Cohen also already had promised to take the baton from current ownership, which is restoring full pay to front office workers who accepted cuts during the season.