Labor Leaders Applaud Ulster County Law Strengthening Rules for Apprenticeships
Kingston, NY–Local labor leaders, apprentices and elected officials joined Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger on Sept. 6 in Kingston for a ceremonial signing of local law No. 10 in honor of Labor Day. The legislation was passed in May to strengthen requirements for construction apprenticeships in county government projects to promote skills development and expand opportunities for jobs locally.
The legislation requires all bidders on county government construction projects valued above $750,000 to have an accredited apprenticeship program with a proven graduation rate above 30% consistently for the last five years.
“By setting higher graduation requirements in this law, we’re ensuring that our workers have the hands-on training, skills and job opportunities that they deserve,” said Ulster County Executive Metzger. “Thank you to my colleagues in the county legislature, and especially Legislator Kenneth J. Ronk, Jr., and Legislator Laura Petit for sponsoring this legislation. And thank you to the members of labor and county legislators who joined us for the signing.”
Daniel Ortega of Engineers Labor-Employer Cooperative 825 (ELEC 825) said the law will help boost local employment, improve safety and the quality of work on projects, and make the bidding process more competitive.
“We are grateful to County Executive Jen Metzger and to our local legislators for supporting this legislation, which is very important for our local workforce, communities and economy,” Mr. Ortega said. “This will ensure government agencies have access to a larger pool of skilled local contractors, and that young people receive proper training and have access to good-paying jobs locally.”
ELEC 825 is a collaborative labor-management organization representing building contractor associations in New York and New Jersey. ELEC 825 works to expand economic development and stimulate growth working with chambers of commerce, business partnerships, professional associations and industry coalitions to support policies, legislation and regulations that encourage responsible economic development.