The 2020 New York State Budget amends previous legislation to apply prevailing wage to certain publicly-funded private projects, marking an important victory for the construction trade Unions during a time when the industry is feeling the impact of COVID-19.
“The Laborers’ primary concern has always been good jobs and fair wages for our members and today, after a long-fought battle on behalf of New York’s working men and women, we achieved an expansion of the Prevailing Wage Law in New York State,” said Sam Fresina, Eastern New York Laborers District Council Business Manager. “By including the expansion of prevailing wage in the budget, especially during such trying times nationwide, Governor Cuomo, our Assembly, and our Senate have proved their commitment to the backbone of our state – the men and women who build it and keep it running. This is an outstanding example of responsible legislating that uplifts New York’s middle class.”
“On behalf of the 17,000 members of the Mason Tenders District Council of Greater New York, I want to thank Governor Cuomo and the members of the New York State Legislature for the leadership they have shown in securing passage of the public works bill in the New York State budget,” said Robert Bonanza, Business Manager, Mason Tenders District Council of Greater New York. “Now, more than ever, as thousands of New Yorkers wait patiently to return to work, it is comforting to know that our elected leaders value our labor. With leaders like Governor Andrew Cuomo leading the way, I know we will confront the challenges we face, both today and in the future, while remaining strong and true to our values. Again, on behalf of members and families of the Mason Tenders District Council and its affiliated local unions – thank you!”
“The Laborers, along with several other construction Unions, have been a strong and aggressive voice for change regarding prevailing wage expansion,” said Patrick Purcell, Executive Director, New York State LECET and Greater New York LECET. “We have continuously contended that with public funding should ALWAYS come prevailing wage – and this expansion moves us in that direction. This is a powerful, hard fought win for the skilled tradespeople of the New York State/Greater New York Laborers Union – which is over 40,000 New Yorkers strong. We will continue to build upon this win and expand the middle class of this great state.”