New York, NY – New York City Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO President Vincent Alvarez today released the following statement regarding the tragic death of construction worker Wilfredo Enriques, who fell to his death while working on a project at the old Domino Sugar Factory in Williamsburg, Brooklyn:

“This morning’s construction fatality at the old Domino Sugar Factory marks the city’s twenty-ninth construction death in the last two years – twenty-six of which have occurred on non-union construction sites. Let me be clear: these senseless deaths must stop, and the city must act to help protect working people. Worker training and safety must become a priority for our elected leaders in New York City. This cannot be another instance where the city steps in, closes down the site for a day or two, and then allows business to continue as usual.

“We cannot allow development in New York City to come at the cost of human lives.  There are numerous worker training and safety bills awaiting action by the City Council.  What exactly will it take for common sense action to be taken on this issue?  If the loss of twenty-nine lives does not constitute an emergency, I don’t know what does.” 

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For Immediate Release: Friday, December 9, 2016

Contact:

Cara Noel

917-207-0629

CNoel@nycclc.org