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PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Freddie Louisa Salazar, Union Member from Local 79, on Working Conditions and Benefits in Construction
1:32:01
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96 sec
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 life, compensation, and benefits. He advocates for better wages and working conditions for construction workers, especially immigrants.
- Salazar previously earned $17/hour with no insurance in a non-union job, struggling to afford basic necessities
- After joining the union, he now receives better wages, healthcare, and retirement benefits
- He emphasizes the need for fair compensation in the construction industry to support a good standard of living for workers
Freddie Louisa Salazar (via Spanish Interpreter)
1:32:01
I will translate for Freddie.
1:32:04
My name is Freddie Louisa Salazar, a Living Queens, and I am local 79 journey worker.
1:32:10
Previously, I worked for nonunion affordable housing contractor for 3 years.
1:32:15
I was working as a laborer in Mason Tender.
1:32:18
I was paid $17 per hour with no insurance.
1:32:22
The pay when I worked nonunion was not enough to build a good life.
1:32:26
I could only afford to rent a room and I had no savings.
1:32:31
I'm going to say it again.
1:32:33
I was working on a city funded job while renting a room to sleep in and skipping meals.
1:32:39
I put off going to the doctor because I was scared that I would get here with the expensive medical bill.
1:32:46
I don't know what I would have done in an emergency.
1:32:50
Now I learn now I earn a just compensation package having health care for my family, helped us get care.
1:32:58
With better wages, I can afford to rent an apartment and live.
1:33:03
Life is more calm.
1:33:05
I'm starting to save up.
1:33:07
I still work hard, but I know one day I'll be able to retire because my pay includes a retirement contributions.
1:33:15
I see a lot of construction workers in my community.
1:33:19
Many of them immigrants, still going through the struggles that I face.
1:33:23
They can't plan for a future because they're just trying to figure out how to get enough food to eat each day.
1:33:30
I used to be one of those workers.
1:33:33
We need to pay a wage to construction workers that supports a good standard of life.
1:33:37
Thank you.