Prevailing wage standards to the 421a abatement program has gained support from the NYCCLC, NYC AFL-CIO, National Building Trades Council, and the National AFL-CIO
Statement by Stephen McInnis, president, New York City andVicinity District Council of Carpenters, on Governor Cuomo’s Support for Labor
“Governor Cuomo understands the significance of supporting middle class jobs. We recognize and appreciate his efforts in keeping an open dialog when approaching a legislative program that highly influences the lives of the people that build and maintain this great city. It is important to include standard protections for all, and the 421a tax abatement program should aim to set not only an affordable housing standard but also a living wage standard for all workers. Reform needs to happen now. Extending the old program is not a viable option for the people of New York.”
Statement by Gary LaBarbera, president, Building and Construction Trades Council of Greater New York, on Mayor de Blasio’s opposition to prevailing wage in 421-a
“421-a tax subsidies have failed to achieve the primary goal of creating any real affordable housing. We strongly disagree with the Mayor’s position that developers should not be required to provide good wages and benefits and a path to the middle class in order to benefit from millions of dollars in tax breaks. We should be enacting policies that look to reduce income inequality, not encourage it.”
Statement by Mario Cilento, president of the New York State AFL-CIO and Vincent Alvarez, president of the New York City Central Labor Council
“It is deeply disappointing that the mayor is choosing not to recognize the importance of creating solid middle class jobs with fair wages for construction workers on 421-a projects,” said the statement of Mario Cilento, president of the New York State AFL-CIO. “The city of New York should be supporting prevailing wages for all workers, particularly on affordable housing projects that give tax breaks to wealthy developers.”
“All working New Yorkers deserve middle class wages, benefits, and access to affordable housing,” added Vincent Alvarez, president of the New York City Central Labor Council. “The City’s decision to exclude workers from earning higher wages and other benefits of an improved 421-a program is a slap in the face to the hardworking men and women who have helped to build our city. If we are serious about combatting income inequality, then our government must work to address the needs of all workers. Instead of focusing on tax breaks for the wealthy, our city must prioritize the creation of middle class jobs for all working people.”
Capital New York Article – Trumka Tweaks de Blasion on 421a Prevailing Wage