Your guide to NYC's public proceedings.
New York City Council
Committee on Civil Service and Labor
Apr 17, 2025
·
10:00 AM
1 hr 52 min
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Summary
A hearing on equitable representation in New York City's municipal workforce, focusing on pay equity, diversity, and inclusion initiatives.
Discussions covered gender pay disparities, occupational segregation, retention challenges, and efforts to improve diversity in high-paying positions.
The hearing also addressed proposed legislation on gender pay equity, unionization rights, telework expansion, and fair pay for musicians from streaming services.
Features testimony from the Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS), Office of Labor Relations (OLR), Commission on Gender Equity (CGE), and the public.
Meeting chapters
Read summaries and watch videos for short segments that matter to you.
Opening remarks for the hearing on equitable representation in the city's workforce
Council Member Carmen de la Rosa opens the hearing of the NYC Council's Committee on Civil Service and Labor, focusing on equitable representation in the city's workforce. She emphasizes the …
0:00:52
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19 sec
Overview of legislation to be discussed in the hearing
Council Member de la Rosa outlines the legislative items to be addressed during the hearing, covering various aspects of workforce equity and labor rights. - Intro 675: Establishing a task …
0:01:11
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48 sec
The importance of equity initiatives in New York City's workforce
Council Member de la Rosa emphasizes the critical nature of maintaining equity initiatives in New York City, especially in light of federal rollbacks on civil rights protections and DEI programs. …
0:01:59
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39 sec
Current state of pay disparities in New York City and nationally
Council Member de la Rosa presents data on persistent wage gaps, highlighting the disparities faced by women, particularly women of color, both nationally and in New York City's municipal workforce. …
0:02:39
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37 sec
Underutilization of certain groups in New York City agencies
Council Member de la Rosa presents findings from the Equal Employment Practices Commission's underutilization analysis, highlighting persistent challenges in achieving equitable representation across city agencies. - 223 instances of underutilization …
0:03:16
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44 sec
Retention challenges in New York City's workforce
Council Member de la Rosa addresses the issue of retention in the city's workforce, particularly focusing on the disproportionate departure rates of Black employees and women. - Black employees and …
0:04:00
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36 sec
The importance and benefits of diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts
Council Member de la Rosa emphasizes the critical nature of maintaining and strengthening DEI efforts, highlighting their importance for both moral imperatives and workforce necessities. - Research shows organizations with …
0:04:37
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51 sec
Acknowledgments and recognition of staff and council members
Council Member Carmen de la Rosa concludes her opening remarks by acknowledging and thanking various individuals involved in the hearing and recognizing the presence of other council members. - Thanks …
0:05:29
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33 sec
Council Member Farah N. Louis delivers opening remarks on equitable representation in the municipal workforce
Council Member Farah N. Louis, chair of the committee on women and gender equity, delivers opening remarks for a hearing on equitable representation in the municipal workforce. She introduces the …
0:06:03
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167 sec
Council Member Cabán expresses support for Resolution 66 on unionization rights
Council Member Tiffany Cabán delivers remarks in support of Resolution 66, which expresses solidarity with unionization drives across New York City's workforce and affirms the right to have union elections …
0:08:57
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112 sec
Introduction of Katrina Porter and her colleagues
Katrina Porter, Chief Human Capital Officer for the City of New York and Deputy Commissioner of Human Capital at DCAS, introduces herself and her colleagues. She notes that DCAS has …
0:14:04
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34 sec
DCAS's commitment to equity in the city's workforce
Katrina Porter emphasizes DCAS's commitment to equity in the workforce, describing it as a critical mission rather than just a goal. She highlights the importance of creating diverse pipelines for …
0:14:39
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85 sec
Overview of NYC's workforce composition and pay equity status
Katrina Porter provides an overview of the city's workforce composition and current pay equity status, including data from the upcoming fiscal year 2024 workforce profile report. - Explains that DOE …
0:16:04
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48 sec
Addressing occupational segregation and conducting pay equity analysis
Katrina Porter discusses DCAS's efforts to address occupational segregation and conduct a comprehensive pay equity analysis across the city's workforce. - Identifies occupational segregation as a persistent cause of income …
0:16:53
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47 sec
DCAS's recruitment pipelines and diversity initiatives
Katrina Porter outlines DCAS's various recruitment pipelines and initiatives aimed at increasing diversity and creating opportunities in the municipal workforce. - Describes the role of the Workforce Operations team in …
0:17:42
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132 sec
Retention and professional development initiatives
Katrina Porter highlights DCAS's efforts to improve retention and provide professional development opportunities for city employees. - Introduces the salary benchmarking tool for agencies to compare salary information - Describes …
0:19:55
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79 sec
Response to proposed legislation on gender pay disparity
Katrina Porter responds to the proposed legislation (Intro 675) regarding gender pay disparity in the city's workforce. - Expresses appreciation for the council's work but does not support Intro 675 …
0:21:16
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47 sec
Conclusion and reaffirmation of commitment to addressing inequities
Katrina Porter concludes her testimony by thanking the council and reaffirming DCAS's commitment to addressing pay inequities in the municipal workforce. - Thanks the council for its ongoing commitment to …
0:22:04
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23 sec
DCAS training curriculum and diversity inclusion coursework
Council Member Carmen de la Rosa inquires about DCAS's plans for their citywide agency training curriculum, particularly regarding diversity and inclusion coursework. DCAS representatives explain their robust training portfolio, including …
0:22:32
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136 sec
Rates of completed equity and inclusion trainings by city employees
Council Member de la Rosa inquires about the rates of completed equity and inclusion trainings by city employees, noting a decrease in the current fiscal year. DCAS representatives explain their …
0:24:49
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141 sec
New York City Learn platform and mentorship programs for underrepresented employees
Council Member de la Rosa inquires about the New York City Learn platform and mentorship programs for underrepresented employees. DCAS representatives explain the platform's benefits and discuss challenges in implementing …
0:27:10
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4 min
Tracking career advancement and addressing retention issues for underrepresented groups
Council Member de la Rosa inquires about measures to track career advancement from professional development programs and addresses concerns about retention issues, particularly for Black employees. DCAS representatives discuss exit …
0:31:34
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6 min
Revisions to civil service titles and language accessibility initiatives
Council Member de la Rosa inquires about revisions to civil service titles and language accessibility initiatives for non-English speakers. DCAS representatives explain efforts to expand minimum qualifications for titles and …
0:37:51
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4 min
Discussion on career advancement and occupational segregation in NYC workforce
Council Member Farah N. Louis inquires about strategies to address occupational segregation in the NYC workforce, particularly concerning the underutilization of Black workers in managerial positions and women in law …
0:42:38
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104 sec
Challenges and strategies in diversifying high-paying job groups
Council Member Farah N. Louis questions why agencies have struggled to make significant progress in diversifying high-paying job groups. DCAS representatives Katrina Porter and Silvia Montalban discuss various strategies and …
0:44:22
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3 min
City's response to commissioners' letter and ongoing DEI efforts
Council Member Farah N. Louis inquires about the mayor's response to a letter from 16 commissioners demanding a strategy to defend transgender New Yorkers, women, and immigrants. Silvia Montalban from …
0:47:28
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3 min
Inquiry about the Marshall Plan for Moms Task Force
Council Member Farah N. Louis requests an update on the Marshall Plan for Moms Task Force and the recommendations for supporting working mothers and caregivers in New York City. - …
0:50:30
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18 sec
Updates on the Marshall Plan for Moms and administration's response to commissioners
Matt Graham from the Commission on Gender Equity provides updates on the Marshall Plan for Moms Task Force and addresses the administration's response to the commissioners' letter regarding protections for …
0:50:51
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57 sec
Updates on the pay equity cabinet's work and City Council assistance
Council Member Farah N. Louis inquires about updates on the work of the pay equity cabinet, which is co-chaired by CGE and DCAS. The cabinet aims to create a roadmap …
0:52:38
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45 sec
Increase in sexual harassment complaints and its implications
Council Member Farah N. Louis addresses the increase in sexual harassment complaints in city agencies, as reported in fiscal year 2023. She inquires about any studies conducted to determine the …
0:53:28
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128 sec
Impact of federal DEI program rollbacks on NYC workforce
Council Member Farah N. Louis inquires about the potential impact of President Trump's executive order 14,151, which eliminates DEI programs in federal agencies, on recruitment efforts and exam outcomes within …
0:55:37
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139 sec
Update on pay equity analysis progress
Council Member Carmen de la Rosa inquires about the progress of the pay equity analysis required by Local Law 27 of 2023. Deputy Commissioner Katrina Porter from DCAS responds that …
0:58:05
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56 sec
Public Service Corps program updates and recruitment efforts
Council Member de la Rosa asks about preparations for the upcoming summer Public Service Corps program and DCAS's outreach efforts. Kadian Outar, Executive Director of the Office of Citywide Equity …
0:59:02
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83 sec
DCAS efforts for inclusivity of employees with disabilities
Council Member de la Rosa inquires about DCAS's collaboration with the office for persons with disabilities. Kadian Outar explains DCAS's efforts to ensure inclusivity for employees with disabilities, focusing on …
1:00:33
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77 sec
OLR's commitment to equity after federal DEI rollbacks
Council Member de la Rosa asks how OLR is reaffirming its commitment to equity in the municipal workforce in light of federal DEI protection rollbacks. Daniel Pollock, First Deputy Commissioner …
1:02:00
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44 sec
Equity considerations in collective bargaining negotiations
Council Member de la Rosa inquires about the incorporation of equitable representation and workforce diversity considerations in OLR's collective bargaining negotiations. Daniel Pollock explains OLR's approach and provides examples of …
1:02:44
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117 sec
Concerns about 911 operators' working conditions
Council Member de la Rosa expresses ongoing concerns about forced overtime and other issues raised by the union representing 911 operators. Daniel Pollock acknowledges these concerns and commits to continued …
1:04:41
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34 sec
OLR's engagement with unions on diversity and inclusion
Council Member de la Rosa inquires about OLR's engagement with municipal unions on diversity and inclusion topics. Daniel Pollock explains OLR's approach to these conversations and their role in creating …
1:05:15
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39 sec
Metrics for evaluating agency progress on equity
Council Member de la Rosa asks about metrics or benchmarks used to evaluate agencies' progress on equity and retention. After OLR defers to DCAS, Katrina Porter provides information on DCAS's …
1:05:56
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61 sec
Concluding remarks and appreciation for equity efforts
Council Member Carmen de la Rosa concludes the session by thanking the panel for their efforts and emphasizing the importance of equity in the municipal workforce. She acknowledges the annual …
1:06:58
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27 sec
Testimony by Damon Krukowski, Musician, on the Living Wage for Musicians Act
Damon Krukowski, a native New Yorker and long-time musician, testified in support of the Living Wage for Musicians Act. He highlighted the challenges faced by musicians in the streaming era, …
1:10:24
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136 sec
Testimony by Joey DeFrancesco, Organizer and Musician from United Musicians and Allied Workers, on the Living Wage for Musicians Act
Joey DeFrancesco, a musician and organizer with United Musicians and Allied Workers (UMAW), testifies in support of the Living Wage for Musicians Act. He emphasizes the importance of fair pay …
1:12:45
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126 sec
Testimony by Tyler Burchfield, Musician and Advocate from United Musicians and Allied Workers
Tyler Burchfield, a musician and advocate from United Musicians and Allied Workers, testifies about the financial challenges faced by independent musicians, particularly regarding streaming platforms and the high costs associated …
1:14:57
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127 sec
Testimony by Spencer Peppet, Organizer and Musician from United Musicians and Allied Workers
Spencer Peppet, a musician and organizer with United Musicians and Allied Workers, testified about the challenges facing musicians in New York City and the importance of the Living Wage for …
1:17:06
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69 sec
Testimony by Ann Aisley Boccato, Musician and Advocate from United Musicians and Allied Workers, on the impact of streaming services on musicians' income
Ann Aisley Boccato, a jazz and folk musician from Brooklyn, testifies about the financial challenges musicians face due to streaming services like Spotify. She shares her personal experience of struggling …
1:18:17
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76 sec
Council member expresses support for musicians and legislation
Council Member Carmen de la Rosa expresses support for the legislation addressing fair pay for musicians from streaming services. She emphasizes the importance of the music industry to New York …
1:19:35
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72 sec
Testimony by Paisley Fields, Musician and Advocate from United Musicians and Allied Workers, on Fair Pay for Musicians
Paisley Fields, a musician from Brooklyn, testified in support of Fair Pay for Musicians, emphasizing the challenges faced by musicians in the current landscape and the importance of preserving music …
1:21:21
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47 sec
Testimony by Tom Beamer, Recording Engineer and Mixer & Advocate from United Musicians and Allied Workers
Tom Beamer, a recording engineer and mixer from Flatbush, discusses the broader impact of unfair streaming payouts on the music industry ecosystem. He emphasizes that when musicians are underpaid, it …
1:22:11
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84 sec
Testimony by Andrew Paulson, Singer-songwriter from ASCAP, on Fair Pay for Musicians
Andrew Paulson, a singer-songwriter from Hell's Kitchen and ASCAP member, testifies about the challenges musicians face in earning a living from streaming platforms like Spotify. He emphasizes the value of …
1:23:41
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97 sec
Testimony by Andy Waldron, Member of the Public, on Civil Service, Labor, and Music Industry Challenges
Andy Waldron, a native New Yorker and working musician, testifies about the challenges faced by workers in the music industry and arts sector in New York City. He emphasizes the …
1:25:21
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102 sec
Testimony by Paco Cathcart, Musician and Advocate, on Fair Pay for Musicians from Streaming Services
Paco Cathcart, a New York-born musician, testifies about the challenges musicians face in earning a living wage from streaming services. He argues that despite having thousands of listeners, musicians receive …
1:27:07
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3 min
Testimony by Elijah Diaz, Member of Brooklyn District 45, on Equitable Representation in NYC's Workforce
Elijah Diaz, representing Brooklyn's District 45, provided testimony on the community's concerns regarding equitable representation in NYC's workforce. He expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of the proposed legislation and raised …
1:30:56
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124 sec
Testimony by Marshall Moran, Music Worker and Advocate from United Musicians and Allied Workers
Marshall Moran, a music worker and advocate from United Musicians and Allied Workers, testifies about the struggles faced by the music industry due to declining streaming revenue. He emphasizes the …
1:33:15
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125 sec
Testimony by Michael DeBarge, Owner of Midtown Radio and Records, on Fair Wage for Musicians Act
Michael DeBarge, owner of Midtown Radio and Records, testifies in support of the Fair Wage for Musicians Act, highlighting the financial struggles of musicians in New York City due to …
1:35:28
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138 sec
Testimony by Christopher Yero, Musician and Advocate, on Fair Pay for Musicians
Christopher Yero, a musician and advocate, shares his personal experience growing up in a family supported by music and highlights the current challenges faced by musicians due to dwindling royalties …
1:37:50
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126 sec
Testimony by Yvonne Jennings, Member of the Public
Yvonne Jennings, a member of the public, testified about personal issues related to stalking and health concerns, expressing frustration with lack of assistance from various officials. Her testimony was somewhat …
1:41:48
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141 sec
Testimony by Sharon Brown on Music Streaming Issues and Workplace Discrimination
Sharon Brown testifies about issues with music streaming platforms, particularly Spotify and Google, alleging criminal activity and manipulation of search results. She also expresses controversial views on workplace discrimination against …
1:44:14
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138 sec
Testimony by Raul Rivera, TLC Driver and Advocate
Raul Rivera, a TLC driver and advocate, testified about the influence of wealthy individuals on city politics, specifically criticizing Mark Gorton, founder of Open Plans. He urged council members to …
1:46:34
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122 sec
Testimony by Christopher Leon Johnson, Member of the Public
Christopher Leon Johnson testifies in support of Resolution 066 regarding unionization, while also expressing concerns about discrimination within the City Council and potential issues within union organizations. He calls for …
1:48:56
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124 sec