Street construction (photo by Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office).
Sometimes, we have been led to believe that legislation could only fall within one of these categories: economic boost, environmental improvement, or labor-friendly. In reality, we have seen instances when this is not true, and where the goals set out in a bill conflict with other goals.
New York has a chance to support and pass legislation in this session: the Roadway Excavation Quality Assurance Act. It’s a long bill with huge potential impact.
The REQAA would mandate that workers are paid the prevailing wages when crews need to open streets to perform utility work. This job is extremely common and a prevailing wage is required. First, prevailing wage refers to highly-skilled, trained workers who do the job. Their skill-sets ensure you are not without power, heat or cooling. You may need to leave the site for long periods of time. These skilled workers would be able stop a gas leak faster if they were repairing a damaged utility wire.
Better for the environment, better to everyone who pays a utility company for their service.
Importantly, workers in dangerous jobs are paid the prevailing wage. This means that they can live a decent, family-sustaining life. They can afford to feed their families and live a comfortable middle-class lifestyle. They also have the financial resources to support their local shops and restaurants.
Better for a qualified workforce, and a boost to the economy.
It is important that you recognize that New York’s energy landscape and the job market in this field are constantly changing. Passing the REQAA is a prime example of how to ensure that the energy industry advances, and takes the workers with it.
The REQAA offers a platform for labor, economists, and environmentalists to work together for a better New York State. Are you not convinced that we owe it to all New Yorkers
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Patrick Purcell, Jr., is the Executive Director at the New York State Laborers-Employers Cooperation & Education Trust. Assemblymember Karines Reyes proudly represents New York State’s 87th District. Twitter @KarinesReyes87 & @LECET.
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