The measure closes a longstanding gap in state labor law that left workers unprotected on County-leased properties. Under existing law, construction on privately owned land, even when leased by the County and directly supporting County operations, can fall outside the legal definition of “public work,” leaving workers without prevailing wage protections.
During a pre-vote press conference in the Board’s rotunda, labor leaders including Westchester Putnam Building Trades Council Vice President Ed Cooke and Louis Sanchez, Business Representative for Local 3, IBEW, joined Chairman Vedat Gashi, Vice Chair Terry Clements, Majority Leader Judah Holstein, Majority Whip Shanae Williams, Minority Leader Margaret A. Cunzio, Minority Whip James Nolan, Legislators Erika L. Pierce, Jenn Puja, Nancy E. Barr, Anant Nambiar, Jewel Williams Johnson, Emiljana Ulaj, David T. Imamura, Tyrae Woodson-Samuels, David J. Tubiolo, and José I. Alvarado.
Chairman Gashi (D–New Castle, Ossining, Somers, Yorktown) said, “When Westchester County invests in construction, every worker on that job deserves fair pay—regardless of whether the building is owned or leased by the County. This law closes a loophole and sends a clear message: Westchester puts workers first.”
The new measure applies to lease agreements of 10 years or more and construction projects exceeding $250,000 undertaken on behalf of the County. Contractors and subcontractors on those projects will be required to pay prevailing wages and maintain certified payroll records to verify compliance. The law takes effect for new lease agreements entered into 120 days after adoption. It includes an exemption for emergency construction work required to protect public health and safety.
Legislator Puja (D–White Plains, Scarsdale, West Harrison), Chair of the Board’s Labor Committee, said, “This is yet another way Westchester is putting workers first! As a union member and a County legislator, I know how critical prevailing wages are to protecting workers and ensuring safe, high-quality construction. This legislation closes a longstanding gap by requiring fair wages on significant County-leased projects. When economic development truly benefits workers, their families, and the communities they call home, what results is a stronger workforce and a stronger Westchester.”
Legislator Ulaj (D–Cortlandt, Ossining, Croton, Briarcliff, Buchanan), Vice Chair of the Board’s Labor Committee, said “County dollars should never be used to undercut worker standards. By expanding prevailing wage to all County-funded projects, we are protecting union gains and ensuring that public investment supports fair pay. As a government entity, we have a responsibility to uphold the dignity of the people who build our future.”
Legislator Colin D. Smith (D–Cortlandt, Peekskill, Yorktown), Chair of the Board’s Legislation Committee, said, “This legislation closes a real gap in worker protections on county-leased projects, and County Executive Ken Jenkins deserves credit for bringing it forward. It reflects what can happen when the County Executive, the Board of Legislators, and our labor partners work together: fair wages, safe worksites, and high-quality work in service of the public. When construction is undertaken for the county’s benefit, the workers who build and improve those spaces deserve prevailing wages. I’m proud to support it and grateful for the collaboration that made it possible.”
Legislator Tubiolo (D–Yonkers, Mount Vernon), former Co-Chair of the Board’s Labor Subcommittee, said, “I applaud the County Executive and my colleagues as we pass this vital piece of legislation. Along with our friends in labor, we are making strides to ensure that we are protecting the long-term value of our public investments and ensuring that essential government facilities are constructed safely and efficiently. This is yet another measure undertaken by the County to address affordability, and to ensure that workers are protected and are paid a fair wage as we continue to make Westchester a great place to live and work.”
Thomas Carey, President, Westchester/Putnam Central Labor Body AFL-CIO, said, “Once again, I am Honored to stand shoulder to shoulder with Our Westchester County legislators and County Executive on this prevailing wage bill. Prevailing wage provides A Competitive wage and benefit package for everyone who works on these projects in Westchester County, our legislators and County Executive see the importance of our workforce and continue to stand up for what is right and the importance of providing good wages for our labor force, These men and women never ask for a handout but a hand up to provide for their families.”
Jeff Loughlin, President, Westchester/Putnam Building and Construction Trades Council said, “On behalf of the Building and Construction Trades Council, I would like to extend our thanks to all that were involved in getting this legislation through. This, in conjunction with the apprenticeship bill, are two big items for organized labor. There are no downsides for us and it will even benefit the non-union workforce out there during these difficult economic times.”
Louis Sanchez said, “Protecting prevailing wage standards in Westchester County is a shared responsibility among policymakers, employers, and workers. By enforcing these laws, we promote competitive bidding, reduce wage theft, and help address the affordability crisis facing our communities.”
To hear what Westchester union labor leaders say about this bill, watch the press conference.
Watch legislators vote at Monday’s Board meeting. The replay will be posted here when available.
