New York City Council
Committee on Civil Service and Labor
Oct 28, 2024
·
01:00 PM
2 hr 42 min
Summary
A hearing on Intro 910, the Construction Justice Act, which aims to establish a $40/hour minimum wage and benefits package for workers on city-subsidized affordable housing projects.
Discussions focused on:
- The need for living wages and benefits for construction workers
- Potential impacts on affordable housing production
- Balancing fair wages with housing development goals
Concerns were raised about increased costs, administrative burdens, and potential reductions in affordable housing units.
Supporters argued the bill would reduce exploitation, improve job quality, and benefit low-income communities.
Features testimony from the Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD), the Office of the New York City Comptroller, and the public, including construction workers, labor unions, affordable housing developers, and advocacy groups.
Meeting chapters
Read summaries and watch videos for short segments that matter to you.
Council Member Carmen N. De La Rosa opens legislative hearing on community hiring and wage standards
Council Member Carmen N. De La Rosa opens the legislative hearing of the Civil Service And Labor Committee, introducing two items: Intro 910 and Resolution 522. She emphasizes the importance …
0:00:33
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3 min
Introduction of HPD representatives and purpose of testimony
Ahmed Tigani, First Deputy Commissioner and Chief Diversity Officer of NYC Department of Housing Preservation & Development (HPD), introduces himself and his colleague Lucy Joffe to testify about intro 910 …
0:05:06
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23 sec
HPD's role in job creation and workforce investment
HPD expands opportunities for New Yorkers by creating affordable housing and good jobs with fair wages, taking their economic development function seriously. The administration successfully negotiated higher wages for workers …
0:05:30
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46 sec
Challenges of increasing wages in affordable housing
Increasing wages in affordable housing comes with difficult trade-offs that can impact HPD's mission to address New York City's affordability crisis. The agency emphasizes the need for careful consideration when …
0:06:16
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31 sec
Financial impact of proposed wage legislation on HPD
The proposed legislation could cost more than $500 million per year to maintain current production levels, with costs increasing as production targets rise. New wage requirements would result in higher …
0:06:47
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70 sec
Potential consequences of new wage requirements on affordable housing
New wage requirements could force HPD to make difficult choices, potentially reducing the number of affordable homes built or preserving fewer deeply affordable rental units. These requirements might also impact …
0:07:58
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66 sec
HPD's initiatives in workforce development and job creation
HPD remains committed to its economic development role in the city, implementing various initiatives to support the workforce. The agency has developed the Housing Career Pathways program, which connects low-income …
0:09:05
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62 sec
Conclusion and willingness to collaborate on balanced solutions
HPD expresses its willingness to work with the city council to find ways to support construction workers and community hiring while maintaining the capacity to address the critical need for …
0:10:07
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12 sec
HPD's role in housing development site planning
Council Member De La Rosa inquires about HPD's involvement in the early stages of housing development site planning. Deputy Commissioner Tigani explains HPD's role in both public and private site …
0:10:30
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88 sec
Proposed database for construction projects
Council Member De La Rosa inquires about the proposed database requirement in Intro 910. Deputy Commissioner Tigani explains the current reporting practices of HPD. - HPD currently provides open data …
0:11:59
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36 sec
Challenges in implementing the proposed construction project database
Council Member De La Rosa asks about potential challenges in implementing the new database requirement. HPD representatives discuss the difficulties they foresee. - Implementation would involve technology and staffing costs …
0:12:38
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49 sec
HPD's tracking of housing development construction employers
Council Member De La Rosa inquires about HPD's current practices in tracking housing development construction employers. HPD representatives explain the limitations of their tracking capabilities. - HPD does not maintain …
0:13:28
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84 sec
Wage packages for construction workers in state vs. city subsidized projects
Council Member De La Rosa questions the disparity between wage packages for construction workers on state-subsidized versus city-subsidized affordable housing projects. Deputy Commissioner Tigani explains the differences. - HPD supports …
0:14:52
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137 sec
Financial considerations for mixed-income housing projects
Council Member De La Rosa inquires about the possibility of market-rate units in certain projects covering the gap in costs for higher wages. Deputy Commissioner Tigani explains the financial considerations …
0:17:11
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80 sec
Council Member Julie Menin presents resolution on the Good Jobs Guarantee Act
Council Member Julie Menin introduces and advocates for Resolution 522, which calls for the passage of the Good Jobs Guarantee Act. She emphasizes the importance of providing good jobs to …
0:18:52
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145 sec
Explanation of $500 million cost estimate for proposed bill's impact on HPD's capital budget
Lucy Joffe, Deputy Commissioner for Policy and Strategy at HPD, explains the $500 million cost estimate for the proposed bill's impact on HPD's capital budget. - Clarifies that the estimate …
0:21:26
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38 sec
Discussion on Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) needs and projections
Council Member De La Rosa and Ahmed Tigani discuss the impact of the proposed bill on Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) needs and projections. - Tigani explains that New …
0:22:04
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151 sec
Inquiry about LIHTC projections and HPD housing projects subject to proposed bill
Council Member De La Rosa inquires about projections for additional LIHTC dollars needed from the federal level and the portion of HPD housing projects that would be subject to the …
0:24:36
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62 sec
Discussion on wage laws governing non-union contractors and their regulation
Council Member De La Rosa inquires about wage laws governing non-union contractors and their regulation, with responses from Ahmed Tigani and Lucy Joffe. - Tigani explains that contractors are bound …
0:25:40
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87 sec
Inquiry about wages and benefits for construction workers on HPD affordable housing projects
Council Member De La Rosa inquires about the current average hourly wage and benefit package for construction workers on HPD affordable housing projects, with Lucy Joffe providing a response. - …
0:27:08
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75 sec
Discussion of Sendero Verde and Bronx Point projects and HPD's process for negotiating wage standards
Council Member De La Rosa inquires about Sendero Verde and Bronx Point projects with $40 wage agreements and HPD's process for negotiating wage standards in projects. Ahmed Tigani and Lucy …
0:28:26
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3 min
Discussion on considering poverty levels in ZIP codes for wage and local hiring decisions
Council Member De La Rosa raises the issue of considering poverty levels in ZIP codes for wage and local hiring decisions in affordable housing projects. Ahmed Tigani responds with HPD's …
0:32:09
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160 sec
Council Member Julie Menin inquires about workforce development and the Good Jobs Guarantee Act
Council Member Julie Menin asks Deputy Commissioner Ahmed Tigani about workforce development organizations, the administration's stance on the Good Jobs Guarantee Act, and goals for workforce training in the technology …
0:34:49
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80 sec
Inquiry about fringe benefits for non-union construction workers on HPD projects
Council Member Carmen N. De La Rosa inquires about fringe benefits for non-union construction workers on HPD projects. Lucy Joffe, representing HPD, explains that the department doesn't have an enforcement …
0:36:10
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41 sec
HPD's role in wage assumptions and project underwriting
Council Member De La Rosa inquires about HPD's assumptions regarding wages and fringe benefits for construction workers during the underwriting process for affordable housing projects. Lucy Joffe explains HPD's approach …
0:36:52
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71 sec
HPD's limited role in wage negotiations between contractors and workers
Council Member De La Rosa inquires about HPD's involvement in negotiating wage structures with developers. Lucy Joffe explains that HPD typically does not play a direct role in these negotiations …
0:38:03
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72 sec
Concerns about wage exploitation and city's responsibility in subsidized projects
Council Member De La Rosa expresses concerns about potential exploitation in wage practices for city-subsidized projects and emphasizes the city's responsibility to address these issues. Lucy Joffe explains the state's …
0:39:15
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42 sec
Inquiry about HPD's alternative wage standard proposals for city-assisted housing projects
Council Member De La Rosa asks if HPD has an alternative wage standard or framework to propose for city-assisted housing projects. Ahmed Tigani responds that HPD does not have a …
0:39:57
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56 sec
Challenges for smaller developers and contractors in meeting wage and hiring standards
Council Member De La Rosa inquires about the challenges smaller developers face in meeting wage and hiring standards. Ahmed Tigani and Lucy Joffe explain various difficulties, including additional costs and …
0:40:58
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123 sec
Suggestions for city support to help smaller contractors with compliance and wage tracking
Council Member De La Rosa suggests that the city should provide support to smaller contractors for compliance and wage tracking. Lucy Joffe and Ahmed Tigani discuss existing efforts and challenges …
0:43:01
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91 sec
Discussion on Local Law 44 and HPD's provision of wage data in response to FOIL requests
Council Member De La Rosa inquires about HPD's compliance with Local Law 44 and the provision of wage data in response to FOIL requests. Lucy Joffe explains HPD's understanding of …
0:44:32
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102 sec
Council Member Brewer questions the impact of the bill on different types of developers
Council Member Gale A. Brewer expresses support for the bill's concept but raises concerns about its impact on different types of developers. She highlights the distinction between for-profit developers with …
0:46:14
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78 sec
HPD representatives clarify the bill's impact on affordable housing projects and HPD's budget
HPD representatives Ahmed Tigani and Lucy Joffe explain the bill's impact on affordable housing projects and HPD's budget, addressing Council Member Brewer's concerns about the differences between for-profit and non-profit …
0:47:35
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3 min
Council Member Brewer expresses concerns about non-profits and her stance on the bill
Council Member Gale A. Brewer concludes the discussion by expressing her concerns about the bill's impact on non-profit developers and her overall stance on the proposed legislation. - Brewer highlights …
0:50:35
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54 sec
Council Member De La Rosa addresses the tension between affordable housing and worker wages
Council Member Carmen N. De La Rosa expresses her thoughts on the importance of building affordable housing while also ensuring fair wages for workers. She highlights the challenge of balancing …
0:51:30
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44 sec
Council Member De La Rosa calls for bold thinking in addressing housing and wage issues
Council Member De La Rosa advocates for a bold reimagining of how affordable housing and fair wages can coexist. She draws parallels to other bold initiatives proposed by the administration …
0:52:14
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71 sec
HPD representatives respond to concerns about affordable housing and worker wages
Lucy Joffe and Ahmed Tigani from HPD address Council Member De La Rosa's concerns about balancing affordable housing needs with fair wages for workers. They explain the potential impact on …
0:53:25
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153 sec
Discussion on minimum wage for non-prevailing wage projects
Council Member De La Rosa inquires about the current minimum wage on non-prevailing wage projects. Lucy Joffe from HPD provides information on the applicable minimum wage and its relationship to …
0:55:59
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35 sec
Inquiry about tracking and verifying community hiring requirements
Council Member De La Rosa asks about HPD's methods for tracking and verifying the 30% community hiring requirement proposed in Intro 910. Ahmed Tigani from HPD explains their current efforts …
0:56:35
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88 sec
HPD's assistance in connecting developers with recruitment resources
Council Member De La Rosa inquires about HPD's role in connecting developers with recruitment resources and workforce development programs. Ahmed Tigani from HPD explains their partnerships and efforts in this …
0:58:04
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33 sec
Engagement of NYCHA residents in workforce development programs
Council Member De La Rosa asks about efforts to engage NYCHA residents in workforce development programs. Ahmed Tigani from HPD describes their collaboration with NYCHA and other partners to provide …
0:58:37
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57 sec
Council Member Restler's opening remarks and appreciation
Council Member Lincoln Restler expresses gratitude for the opportunity to participate in the committee meeting despite not being a regular member. He commends Chair Larossa for their leadership and thanks …
0:59:34
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19 sec
Council Member Restler's concerns about problematic demolition company in district projects
Council Member Restler highlights issues with a demolition company involved in two projects in and around District 33. He expresses deep concerns about the company's record of wage theft, worker …
0:59:55
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54 sec
Council Member Restler's frustration with lack of leverage to stop bad actors
Council Member Restler expresses frustration over his inability to prevent problematic companies from working on projects in his district. He describes his attempts to intervene and the developers' responses. - …
1:00:49
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12 sec
Council Member Restler's support for the proposed legislation
Council Member Restler expresses his support for the proposed legislation, acknowledging its costs but emphasizing its necessity. He explains how the bill would help address the issues he's encountering in …
1:01:02
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38 sec
HPD's response on wage enforcement and contractor selection
Lucy Joffe from HPD responds to Council Member Restler's concerns, addressing issues of wage enforcement, wage theft, and contractor selection. She emphasizes the importance of enforcement mechanisms and explains HPD's …
1:01:41
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73 sec
Council Member Restler's rebuttal and emphasis on the need for legislation
Council Member Restler responds to HPD's comments, emphasizing the potential benefits of the proposed legislation and expressing frustration with the current situation. He reiterates the problems with specific contractors and …
1:02:54
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84 sec
HPD's perspective on wage theft and enforcement mechanisms
Lucy Joffe from HPD responds to Council Member Restler's concerns, explaining HPD's perspective on wage theft and enforcement mechanisms. She emphasizes that wage theft is a widespread issue that requires …
1:04:19
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80 sec
Follow-up on specific projects and potential oversight
Ahmed Tigani from HPD offers to follow up on specific projects mentioned by Council Member Restler. He explains that there is a review process for HPD projects when issues are …
1:05:39
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14 sec
Discussion on the scope and impact of the proposed legislation
Council Member Restler and HPD representatives discuss the potential scope and impact of the proposed legislation. The Council Member emphasizes how the bill could provide leverage in projects with any …
1:05:53
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31 sec
HPD's final remarks on worker rights and resource allocation
Ahmed Tigani from HPD provides concluding remarks on worker rights and resource allocation. He highlights existing mechanisms for protecting workers and explains the agency's perspective on balancing various priorities. - …
1:06:25
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56 sec
Council Member De La Rosa questions HPD on comptroller coordination, staffing, and bill implementation
Council Member Carmen N. De La Rosa engages in a Q&A session with Ahmed Tigani from HPD, focusing on HPD's coordination with the comptroller's office regarding wage compliance and community …
1:07:22
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142 sec
Comptroller's Office Testimony on Intro 910: Wage Standards for City-Assisted Housing Projects
Claudia Enriquez, Director of Worker Rights and the Bureau of Labor Law at the NYC Comptroller's Office, testifies on Intro 910, which establishes wage standards for city-assisted housing development projects. …
1:10:36
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3 min
Council Member De La Rosa questions Comptroller's office on wage enforcement and Intro 910
Council Member Carmen N. De La Rosa engages in a Q&A session with Claudia Enriquez from the Office of the New York City Comptroller, discussing wage enforcement, the impact of …
1:14:10
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3 min
Testimony by Justice Favor, Union Member from Local 79, on Construction Justice and Affordable Housing
Justice Favor, a Local 79 union member, testifies on behalf of construction workers in the affordable housing industry, advocating for fair wages and the Construction Justice Act. He argues that …
1:20:13
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3 min
Testimony by Justice Favor, Union Member from Local 79, on behalf of Bishop Mitchell Taylor
Justice Favor, a union member from Local 79, presented testimony on behalf of Bishop Mitchell Taylor in support of the Construction Justice Act (intro 910). The act aims to set …
1:23:17
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122 sec
Testimony by Asine Martin from Harlem on Construction Worker Conditions and Fair Wages
Asine Martin, a construction worker from Harlem, shares his experiences of working in dangerous conditions with low wages and lack of benefits. He advocates for construction justice, calling for safe …
1:25:32
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123 sec
Testimony by Jamal Butler from Staten Island on Construction Worker Wages and Safety
Jamal Butler, a construction worker from Staten Island, testified about the challenges faced by workers in the construction industry, particularly regarding wages, health insurance, and safety. He advocated for better …
1:27:50
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139 sec
Testimony by Freddie Louisa Salazar, Union Member from Local 79, on Working Conditions and Benefits in Construction
Freddie Louisa Salazar, a union member from Local 79, shares his experience transitioning from a non-union to a union job in construction, highlighting the significant improvements in his quality of …
1:32:01
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96 sec
Council member inquires about essential benefits in the $40 standard
Council Member Carmen N. De La Rosa asks Justice Favor about the essential benefits factored into the $40 standard for construction workers. Justice Favor explains the breakdown of wages and …
1:33:51
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48 sec
Discussion on how good jobs can reduce recidivism and improve public safety
Council Member De La Rosa asks about the connection between good jobs, reduced recidivism, and improved public safety. Justice Favor provides insights based on personal experience and data. - Construction …
1:34:42
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104 sec
Testimony by Oona Adams, Director of Organizing at Labor's Local 79, on the Construction Justice Act
Oona Adams, Director of Organizing for Labor's Local 79, testifies in support of the Construction Justice Act, emphasizing the need for a $40 minimum compensation package for construction workers on …
1:37:32
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3 min
Testimony by Maurice Cunningham on Construction Industry Working Conditions and Fair Wages
Maurice Cunningham, a former non-union construction worker, testifies about the challenges he faced working in the industry without benefits and fair wages. He contrasts his previous experiences with his current …
1:41:06
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71 sec
Testimony by Shawana Berry, Union Member from Local 79, on Construction Worker Experiences and Union Benefits
Shawana Berry, a union member from Local 79, shares her experience as a construction worker on nonunion affordable housing projects and the positive changes after joining a union. She highlights …
1:42:24
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138 sec
Testimony by Jose Carlos Rosas, Member of the Public, on Affordable Housing and Worker Exploitation
Jose Carlos Rosas, a Queens resident, testified about his experience working for an affordable housing contractor, highlighting low wages, lack of health insurance, and poor living conditions. He emphasized the …
1:47:22
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127 sec
Testimony by Rayvon White, Member of the Public
Rayvon White, a former construction worker in affordable housing, shares his personal experience of struggling with low wages, long hours, and lack of benefits despite working on city-funded projects. He …
1:49:37
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121 sec
Council member inquires about HPD's involvement in wage standard discussions
Council Member Carmen N. De La Rosa asks about meetings with HPD regarding the wage standard's impact on their portfolio. Oona Adams responds, highlighting challenges in communication with HPD and …
1:51:38
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150 sec
Discussion on potential benefits of legislation for needy communities
Council Member Carmen N. De La Rosa inquires about how the neediest communities would benefit from the proposed legislation. Oona Adams explains the potential economic impact of increased wages for …
1:54:09
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94 sec
Council member inquires about affordable housing data and wages
Council Member Gale A. Brewer engages in a detailed discussion with Oona Adams about affordable housing data, wages, and the distinction between different types of affordable housing projects. They explore …
1:55:44
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151 sec
Testimony by Alvaro Gonzales Duran, Labor Organizer from Local 79
Alvaro Gonzales Duran, a labor organizer from Local 79, shares his personal journey from struggling in non-union construction work to becoming a union member with better wages and benefits. He …
1:59:23
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166 sec
Testimony by Danny Coley, Union Member from Local 79
Danny Coley, a union member from Local 79, shares his personal story of how joining a union transformed his life from minimum wage work to a stable career with good …
2:02:20
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76 sec
Testimony by Steven Polizzi, Former Subcontractor Worker on Affordable Housing Projects
Steven Polizzi, a former subcontractor worker on affordable housing projects, testifies about his experiences with low wages, unsafe working conditions, and lack of benefits in the construction industry. He advocates …
2:03:39
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106 sec
Testimony by Gilfredo Valentin on Construction Worker Wages and the Construction Justice Act
Gilfredo Valentin, a former construction worker, shares his personal experience with low wages in the construction industry and advocates for the Construction Justice Act. He describes the struggles of living …
2:05:35
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122 sec
Discussion on construction workers' use of SafetyNet programs
Council Member De La Rosa inquires about the number of construction workers using SafetyNet programs to make ends meet. Alvaro Gonzalez Duran provides statistics on the issue. - 41% of …
2:07:57
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53 sec
Discussion on workers' experiences at affordable housing project sites
Council Member De La Rosa asks Alvaro about the experiences of workers on affordable housing projects. Alvaro shares insights from his interactions with workers across New York City. - Workers …
2:09:08
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78 sec
Testimony by Yesenia Mata, Executive Director of La Colmena NYC, on the Construction Justice Act
Yesenia Mata, Executive Director of La Colmena NYC, testified in support of the Construction Justice Act, emphasizing the importance of fair pay and recognition for immigrant workers in construction projects. …
2:11:20
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94 sec
Testimony by Gyasi Headen, Executive Director of Pathways to Apprenticeship, on behalf of the Center for Employment Opportunities
Gyasi Headen, Executive Director of Pathways to Apprenticeship, read a testimony on behalf of the Center for Employment Opportunities in support of legislation to improve employment opportunities for individuals returning …
2:12:59
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154 sec
Testimony by Hannah Chimowitz, Senior Researcher and Policy Analyst at National Employment Law Project (NELP) on the Construction Justice Act
Hannah Chimowitz, representing the National Employment Law Project (NELP), strongly supports the Construction Justice Act. She argues that the bill will provide fair employment opportunities in construction for people with …
2:15:39
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123 sec
Testimony by David Bolger, Business Manager of Mason Tenders District Council, on the Construction Justice Act (read by Kris Kohler)
David Bolger, through his representative Kris Kohler, testifies in support of the Construction Justice Act (CJA), which aims to establish a $40 per hour wage and benefit package for workers …
2:17:47
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148 sec
Testimony by Christopher Leon Johnson, Member of the Public, on Construction Justice Act
Christopher Leon Johnson, a former security worker on the East Side Access project, testifies in support of Intro 910, the Construction Justice Act. He emphasizes the need for better wages …
2:21:58
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134 sec
Testimony by Barika Williams, Executive Director of Association for Neighborhood And Housing Development (ANHD) on Intro 910
Barika Williams, representing ANHD, expresses concerns about Intro 910's potential impact on affordable housing production in New York City. While supporting fair wages, she argues that the bill in its …
2:24:15
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167 sec
Testimony by Zachary Steinberg, Senior Vice President of Policy at Real Estate Board of New York (REBNY), on Minimum Wage Standards for City-Supported Construction Projects
Zachary Steinberg from REBNY expresses concerns about the proposed $40 per hour minimum wage standard for city-supported construction projects. He argues that while REBNY supports fair wages, the proposed standard …
2:27:06
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116 sec
Testimony by Ismene Speliotis, Executive Director of Mutual Housing of New York (MHANY), on Community Hiring and Compensation Standards
Ismene Speliotis, Executive Director of Mutual Housing of New York (MHANY), testifies in favor of Intro 910, which aims to establish community hiring and compensation standards for city-assisted housing development …
2:29:49
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173 sec
Testimony by Robert Altman, Managing Member of Robert S. Altman, Esq., PLLC
Robert Altman, Managing Member of Robert S. Altman, Esq., PLLC, provides testimony on the financial impact of a proposed bill and its implications for affordable housing projects. He highlights concerns …
2:33:34
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117 sec
Council member responds to inquiry about minority contractor involvement
Council Member Carmen N. De La Rosa responds to Robert Altman's question about minority contractor involvement in the bill's drafting process. She indicates an open-door policy and willingness to meet …
2:35:34
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18 sec
Testimony by Caesar Tobar-Acosta, Representative of Bronx Wide Coalition
Caesar Tobar-Acosta, representing the Bronx Wide Coalition, testifies in support of the Construction Justice Act. He emphasizes the importance of creating family-sustaining jobs while addressing the need for affordable housing …
2:36:01
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72 sec
Testimony by Carina Kaufman-Gutierrez, Deputy Director of Street Vendor Project on Construction Justice Act
Carina Kaufman-Gutierrez, Deputy Director of the Street Vendor Project, testified in support of the Construction Justice Act. She emphasized the partnership between street vendors and construction workers, and the importance …
2:37:22
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110 sec
Testimony by Juan Nunez, Organizer from Northwest Bronx Community and Clergy Coalition on the Construction Justice Act
Juan Nunez, an organizer with the Northwest Bronx Community and Clergy Coalition, testifies in support of the Construction Justice Act. He emphasizes the need for equitable development in the Bronx, …
2:39:23
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76 sec
