S1672B

The New York State Senate passed legislation requiring Project Labor Agreements for Long Island school construction projects, advancing a labor-backed bill aimed at preventing wage theft and worker exploitation. Senate Print 1672B, sponsored by Sen. Martinez, passed 55-4 on a roll call vote, with only Sens. Helming, O'Mara, Ortt and Walczyk voting in opposition. The Stop Worker Exploitation in Public Education Act would mandate PLAs that establish fair wages, workplace safety standards, and local hiring preferences for school construction projects funded largely by state Building Aid. Sen. Martinez argued the measure protects both workers and taxpayers by preventing unscrupulous contractors from undercutting labor standards and causing costly project delays. She noted that some Long Island school construction projects have been awarded to contractors later found guilty of wage theft, worker misclassification, and failure to secure proper insurance. Sen. Mattera, drawing on his 43 years in the Plumbers Union, supported the bill as a necessary tool to close enforcement loopholes. The measure does not require schools to contract exclusively with union shops but mandates compliance with agreed-upon labor standards. A companion bill is pending in the Assembly.