GOVERNOR HOCHUL’S CLEAR MESSAGE TO HARDWORKING NEW YORKERS:
NYS PRIORITIZES PROFITS OVER PEOPLE
ALBANY, NY – Despite strong bipartisan support and passing in both the Senate and Assembly, Governor Hochul has announced her decision to veto A7491B/S5868B – brownfield remediation legislation that would have required the payment of prevailing wages in order for developers to be eligible for the associated tangible property tax credit. By attaching prevailing wage requirements to the tax credit, this legislation promoted utilizing certified apprenticeship programs – ensuring workers have necessary skills and safety training and would be paid a fair wage for doing this dangerous work.
Unsurprisingly, the legislation’s critics are wealthy developers eager to take taxpayer dollars but outraged at the thought of paying a living wage to the people actually doing the work. Despite the inherent danger associated with brownfield remediation and the immense skill required to do it, Governor Hochul has decided to side with the wealthy developers and prioritize their profit margin over the well-being of hardworking New Yorkers simply looking for a paycheck that allows them to support their families.
“Governor Hochul has a track record of advocating for and signing legislation that puts working men and women first, but this veto is deeply concerning,” said Donato A. Bianco, Jr., LIUNA Vice President and New England Regional Manager. “Citing prevailing wage as a potential deterrent for developers to undertake this work feeds a false narrative that paying workers livable wages directly correlates to increased project costs. Remediation work is extremely technical and requires a specific skillset and training. Just as importantly, the workers completing this type of task deserve a solid, family-sustaining paycheck. We will continue our fight to ensure workers are compensated for the vital role they play in creating a healthier, safer New York.”
“Governor Hochul showed that she cares more about developers and their pockets than she does about the workers doing the dangerous work cleaning up brownfields,” said Thomas A. Callahan, President of the NYS Conference of Operating Engineers. “The Operating Engineers’ number one priority has always been safety—safety for our workers and safety for the communities where we live and work. With this veto, Governor Hochul showed her priority is making money for developers and ensuring they operate without oversight or guidelines. I want to again thank the New York State Legislature who passed this bill nearly unanimously. The 38,000 members of the IUOE thank you for putting workers ahead of profit.”
“I am deeply disappointed in Governor Hochul’s decision to veto this important prevailing wage legislation,” said Assemblymember and bill sponsor Harry Bronson. “Workers tasked with performing the dangerous and labor-intensive job of brownfield remediation will be denied the right to a fair wage as a result. This action fails workers, taxpayers and every New Yorker who values a safe, contaminant-free environment.”
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ABOUT THE NEW YORK STATE LABORERS: The New York State Laborers’ Union represents over 40,000 members employed in the construction industry and other fields throughout the state. Our members are organized into 24 local unions and four district councils. We are a proud affiliate of the Laborers’ International Union of North America (LIUNA). Visit www.nysliuna.org for more.