TESTIMONY
Kevin Elkins, Union Representative for the New York City District Council of Carpenters, on Rezoning Impacting Construction Workers' Standards and Rights
1:30:34
·
86 sec
Kevin Elkins testifies on the rezoning in Council Member Julian Mann's district, raising concerns over construction standards and workers' rights.
- Elkins represents the New York City District Council of Carpenters and voices the union's inability to support the current project due to ignored concerns.
- He emphasizes the consequences of overlooking labor standards in affordable housing, leading to wider income inequality and inaccessible housing.
- Elkins suggests delaying support for the project until ensuring safe and fair working conditions.
- Despite the lack of engagement from the developer, the union has proposed a solution that considers the project's feasibility.
Kevin Elkins
1:30:34
Good afternoon, council members.
1:30:35
On behalf of the 20,000 members New York City District Council of Carpenter's.
1:30:39
I'm testifying about today's rezoning and Julian council member Julian Mann's district.
1:30:44
Despite our best efforts to have a productive conversation with the with the developer about the construction standards on this project.
1:30:51
We cannot, in good conscience, voice our support for this project at this time.
1:30:56
Our union has been ignored and brushed off at almost every turn.
1:30:58
While that conduct is clearly unprofessional, what matters most is the disregard it shows for the people who could build this project if it's approved.
1:31:05
Without safeguards in place.
1:31:07
We've seen what happens when the labor standards of construction workers on affordable housing are outside and out of mind for the developer.
1:31:14
Incoming inequality widens, housing cost rise, and your constituents who are members can't afford to call this city home any longer.
1:31:20
You have the ability to change this paradigm and think for you have done so many other rezonings.
1:31:24
It's a testament to this council's commitment to workers, and and I know especially council member, Julie Manning, as a deep seated committed to work workers, and we've seen that here in elsewhere.
1:31:33
Despite the applicant's lack of engagement, we have put forward a proposal that incorporates their concerns after all A project that does not pencil out does not serve anyone.
1:31:43
My members won't go to work, but the housing crisis doesn't get any better, and, of course, the applicant does not get to profit.
1:31:49
We strongly urge you to hold off on supporting this project until we can all agree that those building this project will be paid a safe and family sustain that will be safe and paid a family sustaining wage.
1:31:59
Thank you for your time.