POUGHKEEPSIE, NY—Ethan Allen flaggers were successful in winning a National Labor Relations Board election.  As a result of this victory, flaggers employed by Poughkeepsie, NY-based Ethan Allen Personnel Group, Inc., doing business as Ethan Allen Staffing, will be represented by Laborers Locals 17 of Newburgh and 235 of Elmsford, NY in Westchester.

The results of the election held on Aug. 26 revealed that the majority of Ethan Allen flaggers wish to be represented by the Laborers Union to obtain better wages, health care benefits, pension and better working conditions.  The Laborers Union won the vote by over a 2-1 margin. (45-18).

In August 2023, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul signed legislation (S.4887/A.5608) into law, enacting the Roadway Quality Assurance Act, strengthening New York’s construction workforce by ensuring they are paid the prevailing wage. Ethan Allen Staffing currently provides flaggers to Central Hudson Gas & Electric and other utility companies throughout the Hudson Valley. 

Legislation (S.4887/A.5608) amends the labor law to enact the “roadway excavation quality assurance act” to protect workers on projects requiring the excavation or opening of a street. This legislation mandates that utility company contractors and subcontractors pay the prevailing wage to employees on projects where a permit to use, excavate, or open a street is required to be issued and includes flaggers.

Eastern New York Laborers’ District Council Business Manager L. Todd Diorio stated, “Today, the voices of the Ethan Allen flaggers were heard loud and clear and they took a huge step toward changing their lives for the better. They will now have the Laborers Union to negotiate on their behalf. I commend the Ethan Allen flaggers for stepping up and fighting for change. We appreciate them trusting the Laborers’ Union to represent them.”