Opinion: Construction Safety Bill Would Hurt Minority Workers
I am a NYCHA resident who has spent my career advocating for our public housing communities – and I can tell you why we oppose Intro 1447-C, even as it stands on the verge of City Council approval.
Some recent op-eds and statements have claimed that the only opponents of Intro 1447-C are developers or “real estate industry forces.” I am against Intro 1447-C because I know that it could take away job opportunities from black and brown construction workers, including those living in public housing. For months, I have been working with other NYCHA residents, construction leaders and advocacy groups like the NAACP New York State and One Hundred Black Men of New York to send that message to the City Council.
It is disappointing to see some other groups come out of the woodwork – right before the bill receives a Council vote – to claim that our months of advocacy have had nothing to do with the rights of workers. That is just not true. . .