Lynsey Kryzwick, 32BJ: 212-388-3696
Jennifer England, Pittsburgh United:
412-513-9091
Pittsburgh, PA – The prevailing wage bill, which will help create good service jobs at city-subsidized developments, became a law this week after the ten-day waiting period for the Mayor to sign of veto the bill expired. The bill ensures workers at qualified tax subsidized developments and those contracted to work for the City of Pittsburgh will earn the private-sector going rate for their work.
“City Council stood up for working families, tax-payers and business, and we thank the Mayor for allowing this job creation bill to become a law,” said Gabe Morgan, 32BJ SEIU Western Pennsylvania Director. “No longer will tax-subsidized developers be able to come into Pittsburgh and undercut our local economy.”
City Council voted unanimously for the bill on February 2, and County Council is considering similar legislation.
“This legislation will strengthen our businesses, our neighborhoods and our families,” said Tony Helfer, President of United Food and Commercial Workers Local 23. “We look forward to working with the City to make sure this law is implemented in a way that accomplishes all of these ends.”
The prevailing wage law requires developers and contractors to pay the private-sector going rate to building service, food service, hotel and grocery workers. Based on local industry standards, workers would earn between $10 and $13 an hour and receive health care benefits.
“Pittsburgh has taken a good step forward today,” said Rev. John Welch, President of Pittsburgh Interfaith Impact Network. “Economic development that doesnt create good jobs for our families isnt really development at all. Its neither good, nor right. The City Council should be commended for taking this step to ensure a positive return on public investments.”
The law would also ensure city-contracted workers receive good wages and health care. Currently, some workers contracted to provide services to the city are earning just above the minimum wage and do not have access to affordable health care. At the City-County building, for example, security officers are paid as little as $8.30 an hour by Am-Gard.
Pittsburgh United, a coalition of faith, labor, environmental and community organizations has been advocating for this bill as part of broader economic development reform.
With more than 120,000 members, including 5,000 in Western Pennsylvania, 32BJ is the largest property services union in the country.
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updated 2/18/2010
