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PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Steven Polizzi, Former Subcontractor Worker on Affordable Housing Projects
2:03:39
·
106 sec
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 for a just wage standard on affordable housing jobs, emphasizing how fair wages have positively impacted his life and family.
- Highlights the challenges of working for $22/hour with no benefits, barely covering basic needs
- Describes unsafe working conditions and pressure to perform dangerous tasks
- Advocates for a $40 wage standard to reflect the value of workers' labor and improve their quality of life
Steven Polizzi
2:03:39
Good afternoon, and thank you for the opportunity to testify today.
2:03:43
My name is Steven Pelosi.
2:03:44
I'm New York City born and live and raised in Fall Rockaway.
2:03:49
I previously worked for a subcontractor on multiple affordable housing projects in Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx.
2:03:56
I specialize in core drilling and cut and concrete.
2:03:59
I knew that I was wasn't going to get anywhere working that job.
2:04:03
I topped out making $22 an hour with no benefits that meant on a good month.
2:04:08
I had enough for food and not get evicted.
2:04:12
But God helped me if I needed a doctor or a new pair of boots.
2:04:16
Every day was a test of survival.
2:04:18
A supervisor once told me to cut into a concrete wall while standing in an excavation pit on an unsecured wooden plank.
2:04:25
I said that's unsafe.
2:04:27
I was told go home and lose the days pay or get the job done.
2:04:31
I did my best to protect myself safely because I need to work to provide for my family.
2:04:36
A just wage standard on affordable housing jobs would change the lives for people like me.
2:04:42
I face a huge amount of disrespect And I believe that's partly due because of the company knowing my incarceration history.
2:04:48
But regardless of my history, I am worthy of a just wage for a hard days pay for hard days work.
2:04:54
I'm sorry.
2:04:56
We need to stop predatory contractors from being in parasites in our communities.
2:05:00
A $40 wage standard would reflect the value of our work instead of being treated like garbage.
2:05:06
My life changed when I got the job that paid a fair wage the last few years, have opened up doors for my family and changed our way of life.
2:05:14
I don't worry anymore about taking my kids out on the weekends and what that would mean with paying the rent that month.
2:05:19
Communities like mine in good paying jobs and affordable housing more than ever.
2:05:23
I urge you to pass the bill.
2:05:24
Thank you.