NYC Comptroller Lander Convenes Prevailing Wage Council with NYS DOL Commissioner Reardon and Statewide Labor Leaders

New York, NY — New York City Comptroller Brad Lander convened the Prevailing Wage Council meeting on Thursday, June 6, bringing together leaders from labor, the contractor community, workers’ centers, and government to discuss recent labor settlements, the new Real Property Tax Law §485-x, and the upcoming prevailing wage schedule.

The most recent installment of the Comptrollers’ Office Bureau of Labor Law’s semi-annual meeting at the David N. Dinkins Municipal Building featured remarks from New York State Department of Labor (DOL) Commissioner Roberta Reardon, and Charlene Obernauer, Executive Director of New York Committee for Occupation Safety & Health (NYCOSH).

“The purpose of the Comptroller’s Office has always been the management of City funds in a way that protects our economic vitally, our workers’ rights, and safety,” Comptroller Lander said during his opening remarks. “It’s through partnerships with both the New York State Department of Labor and the allies here today that we have remained committed and steadfast in this mission.”

The Council discussed the 2024 prevailing wage schedule, including expanded protections for flaggers and traffic control workers on public construction projects, which would bring the Comptroller’s guidance into alignment with federal regulations. During her address, Claudia Henriquez, Director of Workers’ Rights for the NYC Comptroller’s Office, celebrated recent wins for workers, including a $2.7 million settlement reached for back wages, civil penalties, and interest for workers contracted by New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation and provider Winston Support Services, LLC.

“Ensuring workers are paid what they are owed is a fundamental responsibility we take very seriously at the New York State Department of Labor,” Commissioner Reardon said. “We remain committed to holding businesses accountable and protecting the rights of every worker. Partnerships like those with the Comptroller’s Office are essential to upholding the dignity and fairness of our workplaces.”

You can view photos from the Prevailing Wage Council on Flickr here.

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