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TESTIMONY
Testimony by Denis Ibric, Council Representative from New York City District Council of Carpenters defending member deference for worker protection
2:12:12
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81 sec
Denis Ibric from the NYC District Council of Carpenters argues that member deference and ULURP are essential tools for protecting construction workers' wages and community interests against powerful real estate forces. While open to targeted reforms to speed up the process, the union will strongly oppose any changes that weaken elected officials' power or harm workers.
- Ibric represents 20,000 carpenters.
- He views member deference and ULURP as vital for securing concessions and labor standards.
- He warns against eroding the power of local elected officials to protect workers.
- The union is willing to discuss targeted, common-sense reforms but not at the expense of workers or responsible development.
Denis Ibric
2:12:12
Good evening.
2:12:14
My name is Dennis Ebrich.
2:12:15
I am speaking on behalf of the 20,000 men and women of the New York City District Council of Carpenters.
2:12:20
Every day, our members are risking their lives to build New York City.
2:12:23
Numerous press reports have suggested that this commission is seeking to limit member deference and weaken the EULIP process.
2:12:30
What this commission must understand is that while imperfect, member deference and EULIP remains the only mechanism that forces powerful real estate interests to make concessions to the community and ensures construction workers are paid enough to afford the very affordable housing they built.
2:12:45
This job used to be a ticket to the middle class.
2:12:48
Now the amount of construction workers and government assistance is above average when compared to other industries.
2:12:54
That is why we cannot support and will aggressively oppose any effort to erode the power of elected officials to protect our members on projects in their districts.
2:13:03
If the commission wants to pursue targeted common sense reforms to speed up the process, that is a conversation worth having, but it cannot come at the expense of responsible development and working New Yorkers.
2:13:14
With as much humility as I can muster, I'd like to remind everyone that whether in Albany or city hall, every time we have engaged in land use fight over the past four years, the carpenters union has always won.
2:13:25
We hope for a constructive dialogue.
2:13:27
But on behalf of the workers of New York City, union and nonunion alike, we will be ready if it is not.
2:13:32
Thank you.