Data shows that of 82 non-union major projects 87% of 74,000 workers surveyed are minorities in New York City
Putting Our City to Work
Despite a rapid expansion in the merit shop, also known as open-shop, construction labor force throughout New York City, workers lacked a voice to advocate on behalf of their interests regarding policies, non-union training programs and barriers to entry instituted by union officials. The Construction Workforce Project (CWP) seeks to fill that void by educating both the public, elected officials and other community stakeholders about the benefits of merit shop construction while advancing initiatives that align with the broader needs of communities of color and other underrepresented minorities in the New York City region.
Specifically, CWP’s targeted policy objectives focus on initiatives that increase access to merit shop jobs in the city and policies that streamline construction work to repair and fortify our public housing and public transit infrastructure. Ultimately, our belief is that any legislation which restricts an individual’s ability to work in their industry of choice is detrimental to local job growth. With more than 70 percent of the merit shop workforce being Black or Latino, our role in bettering these communities’ work opportunities is critical to pushing back on union excesses and securing the future of these workers.
Latest News
Construction Injury Fraud Costs All Of Us. Injury Fraud Should Be A Crime
Passing legislation to combat this exploitation is imperative. Such measures would dismantle the incentives for fraud while holding accountable those who exploit vulnerable workers.
ABC7NY: Imposter posed as Queens man for doctor’s visits in ‘fraudulent’ construction fall claim
For months, Eyewitness News has been looking into potential fraudulent work site accidents in New York and recently uncovered a case in which it appears someone stole a man's identity and posed as him as a patient for a worker's compensation claim.
CWP Endorses S.8413-A(Breslin) / A.8981-A(Weprin) Establishing Crime Of Staging Construction Site Accidents
CWP fervently endorses S.8413-A(Breslin) / A.8981-A(Weprin) which seek to classify staging a construction site accident for insurance fraud as a class E felony.
Response to Gary LaBarbera in AMNY 8/3 on Expanding Prevailing Wage
In AMNY’s op-ed column, August 3rd, “To close racial wealth gaps, continue to expand prevailing wage” Mr. LaBarbera proposes an interesting proposal. But what he failed to tell you is he and others like to do the exact opposite by forcing Project Labor Agreements (PLA) on prevailing wage projects.
MINORITY WORKERS AND MWBE’S AT RISK REMOVE PLA’S FROM STATE BUDGET
Project Labor Agreements ("PLA's) discriminate against open/merit shop workers and companies, by tipping the playing field and putting the government in the business of creating winners and losers.
Our Letter to Governor: PROJECT LABOR AGREEMENTS HURT MINORITY WORKERS AND MWBE’S REMOVE THEM FROM THE STATE BUDGET
Open/merit shop workers are the silent majority in New York’s construction workforce.
PROJECT LABOR AGREEMENTS ARE ANTI-COMPETITIVE AND LEAVE OUT MINORITY WORKERS AND MWBEs
In the recently released NYS one-house budget bills, Project Labor Agreements (PLA’s) are proposed at least a dozen times resulting in billions of dollars for special projects. Also included is an expansion of prevailing wage on projects typically not subject to it. Unfortunately, all to the detriment of MWBE companies and workers of color.
Building New York Out of the Pandemic Means Supporting NYC Workers
The Construction Workforce Project does not agree with pushing special interest agendas rather than actually supporting thousands of suffering New Yorkers.
Adirondack Daily Enterprise: Non-union businesses locked out of bidding to rebuild Olympic oval
PLAs cannot help but make projects cost more, simply because they limit competition at bid time. In addition, they often promise to “save money” on the very backs of employees by cutting labor rates and various benefits required by the New York State Department of Labor.