SmartBrief
Ionian RE and three contractors have filed a lawsuit alleging a fraud scheme involving staged accidents and false workers’ compensation claims under New York’s Scaffold Law. The lawsuit targets several law firms and medical providers, claiming the scheme has cost hundreds of millions of dollars. Insurance Journal (11/19)
The New York City Council has unanimously approved a $10 billion project to replace the aging Port Authority Bus Terminal in Midtown Manhattan. The project aims to transform the terminal into a modern travel and retail hub, featuring a light-filled entrance and public green space. This approval marks a significant step forward in addressing the terminal’s long-standing infrastructure issues. iHeartMedia (11/25)
Mayor Eric Adams has announced two major project labor agreements with the Building and Construction Trades Council of Greater New York, covering more than $1 billion in capital projects, including the redevelopment of Willets Point. The agreements ensure fair wages, benefits and safety protections for workers, as well as workforce development opportunities. QNS (Bayside, N.Y.) (11/25)
Trimble has outlined key construction technology trends for 2025, highlighting the impact of AI and machine learning, precise positioning, worksite safety advancements and reality capture. The company notes that the labor shortage remains a significant challenge, but innovations in robotics and automation are expected to help mitigate this issue. Trimble also foresees a rise in subscription services for software and hardware as contractors seek cost-effective solutions. Utility Contractor (11/21)
Scott Rechler’s RXR development firm reportedly has snagged a key tenant for 1285 Sixth Avenue — the Ropes & Gray law firm, which eventually will move from just down the street. The firm will be stepping up from about 300,000 square feet to 430,000, making it one of the year’s largest office leases. The Real Deal (11/25)
The Hudson Tunnel Project is advancing as the Gateway Development Commission seeks a design-build contractor for the New Jersey Surface Alignment Project. It involves building infrastructure like viaducts and bridges to connect to the new Hudson Tunnel and proposals are due in January. Mass Transit (11/20)
A New York City Council subcommittee has signed off on the “City of Yes” housing proposal by Mayor Eric Adams with some tweaks, including cutting the number of projected new homes over a 15-year period from 109,000 to 80,000. The city’s most ambitious housing proposal in history now goes to the City Planning Commission for a review, then back to the Council for a final vote next month. BK Reader (Brooklyn, N.Y.) (11/25)
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THE UNION ADVANTAGE DURING THE CONSTRUCTION LABOR SHORTAGE
The Illinois Economic Policy Institute (ILEPI) and Project for Middle-Class Renewal (PMCR) at the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign report that unionizing is key to retaining workers and avoiding labor shortages. They find that unionized labor is more efficient, dependable, and safe, and “less likely to have delays in completion times due to shortages of workers – and they’ve actually been more likely to add workers in this tight labor market.” The New York City and Vicinity District Council of Carpenters and union contractors maintain a reliable supply of skilled labor with state of the art training and continuing education programs for members from all backgrounds.
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PAYROLL FRAUD IN NEW YORK’S CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY: ESTIMATING ITS PREVALENCE, SEVERITY AND ECONOMIC COSTS
Research by the Institute for Construction Economic Research (ICERES) finds that payroll and tax fraud costs New Yorkers more than $1 billion annually. Cheating contractors gain a $13,500-15,000 cost advantage per worker over law-abiding contractors and workers paid off-the-books or misclassified as independent contractors are robbed of $9,000-10,000 annually.
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The Limited Record of the Associated Builders and Contractors in New York City Metropolitan Region Construction, MWBE Development, and Workforce Training
According to a new report by Rochester Research Associates, the upstate-based Associated Builders and Contractors Empire State Chapter has few contractors, MWBEs and training programs in the NYC metro area, which calls into question its qualifications on policy concerns in NYC construction. With the need to address major issues such as mass transit infrastructure, MWBEs, and safety training, it is important that those with actual experience and expertise in NYC construction lead the discussion.
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New York’s Prevailing Wage Law – A cost-benefit analysis
The Economic Policy Institute’s analysis of peer-reviewed research shows how prevailing wage laws (1) promote cost-effective quality and safety on taxpayer-funded construction projects, (2) stimulate economic growth and higher tax revenue, and (3) reduce poverty and reliance on public healthcare and assistance programs.
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Healthy City: Inside New York City’s Hospital Building Boom
New York City’s large hospital systems are making major capital investments not only to modernize their facilities but to transform how they deliver healthcare. This New York Building Congress report details how they are an important factor in NYC’s construction and overall economy.
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The Economic, Fiscal, and Social Effects of Ohio’s Prevailing Wage Law
76% of peer-reviewed economic research shows that prevailing wages do not increase public construction costs. Here is more research from Ohio that reaches the same conclusion.
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Union Construction workers diversify
NYC union construction has become significantly more racially diverse in the past two decades.
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Veterans Thrive as NYC Union Carpenters and Contractors
Union carpenters and contractors are committed to welcoming military veterans into New York’s unionized construction industry as tradespeople and business owners. The New York City & Vicinity District Council of Carpenters has hundreds of military veterans who are union members working in the industry.
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NYC and Vicinity District Council of Carpenters Training Center
The Carpenters Training Center is jointly sponsored by union carpenters and contractors to provide members with the training needed to bring the highest level of skill and safety to projects throughout the New York City metropolitan area.
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COMMERCIAL MARINE DIVERS WITH LOCAL UNION 1556
Each year, commercial marine divers with Dockbuilders and Timbermen Local Union 1556 perform more than 150,000 hours of work. They are essential to developing and maintaining critical infrastructure including bridge and waterfront repairs, coastal resiliency, offshore wind power turbines, and much more.
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Union Carpenters and Contractors – Leading the way in hotel and hospitality construction
Hotel and hospitality construction are essential to our recovery. Watch here to see how union carpenters and contractors have been leading the way on these projects and are ready for your next job. From new construction to renovations and improvements, we have the experience and reliability to deliver on-time, on-budget value to you as hotel and hospitality project owners.
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Union Carpenters and Contractors – Trained for Safety and Infection Control in Healthcare Facilities
Healthcare construction, whether it involves renovations to occupied spaces or the development of new facilities, presents unique challenges and risks. Union carpenters and contractors are dedicated to partnering with healthcare professionals to ensure a safe environment for patients, staff, and visitors. Our Infection Control Risk Assessment (ICRA) training program sets the industry standard. ICRA training is highly recommended for employees of contractors performing healthcare construction as well as professionals in facilities management, construction planning & design, maintenance, infection prevention, nursing, life safety, regulatory compliance, and more. Visit our website for more information: https://www.ccametro.com/results-for-owners/#icra
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Union Carpenters and Contractors – Essential to Building New York’s Best
The New York City District Council of Carpenters and union contractors have responded to COVID-19 in our industry and local communities. We’re committed to building an even better future. See how we adopted new safety standards and provided critical training to keep essential projects moving forward. Visit here to see some of the outstanding work accomplished throughout these challenging times.
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BUILDING NEW YORK’S BEST – PRIORITIZING SAFETY
Union carpenters and contractors in New York provide ongoing safety training and enforce safety standards on the job. That means safer workers, and a safer city for all of us.
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Building New York’s Best – Spotlight on Union Carpenters and MWBE Contractors
Infinity Contracting is a union MWBE affiliated with the NYC District Council of Carpenters and the Building Contractors Association. This project is built through a DASNY PLA with 100% union labor.
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Building New York’s Best – Hoisting and Scaffolding
Take a look at this short video highlighting the contractors of the Hoisting and Scaffolding Trade Association – HASTA – and the Timbermen of Local Union 1556. Together, they build, erect and dismantle material and personnel hoists, scaffolding, sidewalk bridges and more on NYC’s most challenging construction projects.
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ICSC New York Deal Making Expo at the Javits Center
The ICSC New York Deal Making Expo is the largest retail real estate event on the East Coast, welcoming over 10,000 attendees and 530 vendors to the three-day event! See how union carpenters from the New York City District Council of Carpenters and union contractors played a critical role in bringing the expo to the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center.
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Dockbuilders, Pile Drivers, & Marine Divers
Above ground, under ground, and even under water, union dockbuilders, pile drivers, marine divers, and the contractors that employ them bring strong foundations to structures throughout New York’s skyline, infrastructure, and waterways. Check out this short video highlighting the union training and skills that are crucial to both a project’s success and the safety of workers.
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Building New York’s Best – Architectural Woodwork and Cabinetry
Take a look at this video that highlights how cabinetmakers and woodworkers of Local Union 2790 and contractors that employ them bring superior skill and artistry to commercial, residential, institutional and retail interiors. They fabricate and install both decorative and functional elements of design specifications including trim and molding, cabinetry, ceiling treatments, doors, windows, exposed columns and beams, displays, mantels, and staircases.
