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PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Rayvon White, Member of the Public
1:49:37
·
121 sec
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 advocates for the passage of a bill to improve working conditions and wages for construction workers in affordable housing.
- White details the financial hardships he faced, including giving up his car and missing family events due to work demands.
- He emphasizes the broader impact of low-wage jobs on his community and the need for city intervention.
- White contrasts his past struggles with his current situation, where fair pay has significantly improved his quality of life and financial stability.
Rayvon White
1:49:37
Good afternoon.
1:49:38
Council members.
1:49:39
My name is Ray Von White, and I live in Bedfordshire Staffing.
1:49:42
I work for affordable housing general contractor for 8 years.
1:49:46
When I returned from prison, I started working in construction because I had prior experience.
1:49:51
I was proud to work on affordable housing projects in my community, but I felt stuck.
1:49:56
The most I ever made was 17.50 per hour.
1:49:58
In order to make ends meet, I had to work long hours, which meant couldn't see my kids a lot.
1:50:04
I remember missing things given the other holidays to work because I needed the money so bad.
1:50:09
At one point, I bought a car, so I didn't have to take multiple buses.
1:50:13
But I had to get I had to give it up because I couldn't afford the course.
1:50:17
The job was sucking me dry.
1:50:18
I was tired, worn out, and exhausted.
1:50:21
I did everything acts to me, but when I was act when I asked for higher wages, I was ignored, and it wasn't just me.
1:50:28
These are the type of jobs that people in my neighborhood have been offered.
1:50:33
I saw a big NYC logo on a job.
1:50:35
Every day I went to work for property wages.
1:50:39
The city should be ashamed of support and exploitation.
1:50:43
My family struggled with rising rent the whole time.
1:50:46
I was working on affordable housing projects.
1:50:48
I also didn't have health insurance, and I made too much for Medicaid.
1:50:53
I was on an edge about how long I would be out of work.
1:50:57
And when the next job would start, I humbly asked those listening to consider if they could focus at work, if they had to constantly worry about how to get medical care and food for their kids.
1:51:08
Now receive fair pay, and it feels like a huge burden has been lifted off my showy.
1:51:15
I actually save money now, and I can't plan to take my family on vacations.
1:51:20
Our city needs to invest in construction workers that build affordable housing.
1:51:25
My community already has to mean probably wage jobs.
1:51:28
We now have the opportunity to transform the lives of those from communities like Mars that need need it the most.
1:51:35
Please pass this bill.
1:51:37
Thank you.