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
Kings County Politics: Open Letter To PA Williams For Support Of Open Shop Construction Workers
Open shop workers are the silent majority in New York’s construction workforce. In fact, approximately 70% of private developments in the city are now being built by these workers. And as the use of open shop expands, more New Yorkers of color are working more than ever before.
CWP in Gotham Gazette: Prevailing Wage Extension Would Kill Jobs and Limit Housing for New Yorkers
If there’s one thing that New Yorkers can agree on, it’s that we should always strive to create new jobs, not take them away. Amazon’s recent decision to withdraw its planned “HQ2” from Long Island City is an example of us failing on this front.
NY Post: CWP: How to Save the Amazon Deal
If the deal is to be salvaged, Amazon and New York officials need to do all they can to address local concerns and deliver jobs for local workers.
Brooklyn Paper: Consider open-shop construction in Brooklyn
We at Construction Workforce Project firmly believe that longtime Brooklynites should benefit from the rapid pace of development, which can only truly happen if construction job opportunities are made available to local residents.
REW: Construction industry push for diversity a good start, but more resources needed
A recently announced diversity initiative by the Associated General Contractors of America is an encouraging step forward. However, open shop workers in New York City need much more support from our elected officials in order to achieve real gains for men and women of color in our industry.
Amsterdam News: It is not progressive for the state legislature to exclude Black and Brown workers from legislative initiatives
We must not confuse sensible efforts to improve the construction industry with mandates that would exclude locally based workers of color and MWBE contractors from some of the city’s biggest projects.
Queens Latino: Latino Construction Workers Deserve Better Future
Amongst the most common complaints of minority workers’ is their lack of recognition by influential union leaders.
This is the Bronx: Construction Industry’s Shift to Open Shop Means More Good Jobs for Bronxites
We believe that when new buildings go up in the Bronx, a significant number of the construction jobs should go to local residents – not just to workers from outside the city.
CWP to NYS Senate Labor Committee: Expansion of Public Work and it’s Negative Consequences
While traditional union models of hiring continue to present barriers to entry for minority workers, merit shop (also known as open shop) offers an inclusive hiring model, giving a chance to anyone willing to work hard.