PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Yesenia Mata, Executive Director of La Colmena NYC, on the Construction Justice Act
2:11:20
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94 sec
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. She highlighted the vulnerabilities faced by immigrant workers and the need for protection regardless of immigration status.
- La Colmena NYC is an immigrant rights organization based on Staten Island that empowers immigrant workers through various means.
- Mata pointed out that immigrant workers are often hired as independent contractors through EIN numbers for city projects like affordable housing.
- The testimony stressed the united front of immigrant rights organizations and labor advocates in ensuring no workers are left behind.
Yesenia Mata
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Good afternoon, chairwoman.
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My name is Isenia Mata, and I am the executive director of Lacomena.
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An immigrant rights organization based on Staten Island.
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Alacomina, we work to empower immigrant workers through education, culture, organizing, and economic development.
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Through this work, we witnessed firsthand how immigrant workers are often vulnerable to discrimination, wage theft, and abuse.
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Today, we are here to support the Construction Justice Act, a critical step in shining a light on the risk that construction workers take in building affordable housing or in city projects.
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It is vital that these workers receive fair pay and recognition for the contributions.
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A principle we emphasize regularly in our meetings, with our members by reinforcing the inherent value of their work.
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American workers are often overlooked in these city projects with many brought on as independent contractors through their EIN numbers.
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They are fundamental part in building New York City through city projects such as affordable housing.
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This moment is about affirming that all workers, regardless of immigration status, deserve fair wages and protections.
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Today, as immigrant rights organizations and labor advocates unite, we send a powerful message.
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No workers should be left behind.
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I thank you for your time and support in standing with us for justice and equity.
