New York, NY – New York City Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO President Vincent Alvarez recently released the following statement regarding the Bloomberg administration’s decision to use non-union labor to develop the Seward Park Urban Renewal Area:

“The Bloomberg administration’s decision to overlook qualified developers, committed to paying workers fair wages and benefits, is extremely unfortunate. While the Seward Park development would provide an incredible, and much needed boost to the local economy, the idea that the workers will not be fairly compensated makes the deal bittersweet. The notion an opportunity would be created to pay workers substandard wages and benefits, is yet another example of the 12-year attack that has been waged against our city’s workers.  

“The City must make a real commitment to using highly skilled, qualified labor for construction and redevelopment efforts.  Growing a strong middle class, and improving conditions for working people must be as important to the Administration as it is to our communities.” 

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