By supporting proven training programs and broader access to skilled jobs, the law helps build a stronger local workforce while ensuring county infrastructure projects are completed by well-trained workers, county officials stated.

Under New York State Labor Law (Article 8 of Sec. 220) Westchester lawmakers are seeking to clarify requirements that companies planning to bid work for Westchester County must offer a state-certified apprenticeship program. Companies will also be required to demonstrate a 30% graduation rate of apprentices within a five-year period.

The legislation, introduced on March 19, has garnered widespread endorsement from the Westchester County Board of Legislators and from the two major bodies of Organized Labor in Westchester.

Thomas Carey, president of the Westchester/Putnam Central Labor Body AFL-CIO, said, “Our apprenticeship programs throughout Westchester County have a proven track record for providing highly skilled tradesmen and tradeswomen to hit the ground running on every level of construction, renovation and continuous maintenance. These apprentices are trained in their respective trades, which are fully funded, approved apprenticeships that will promote a lifelong career and, most importantly, teach them the latest safety training.”

Jeff Loughlin, president of the Building & Construction Trades Council of Westchester & Putnam, Inc., said, “Our elected officials understand the importance of Union apprentice training as a pathway to becoming a Union tradesperson, which leads to higher-paying jobs, pensions, healthcare insurance and an annuity.”

Earlier this month, Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins proposed a bill that would require landlords leasing property to the county to use contractors and subcontractors who pay prevailing wages for certain construction projects performed on county-leased facilities.

The proposed law, titled the “Westchester County Lessor Prevailing Wage Act,” would apply to lease agreements with terms of 10 years or more and to construction projects exceeding $250,000 that are undertaken at the request of or on behalf of the county. Under the proposed law, lessors would be required to hire contractors and subcontractors who pay prevailing wages and maintain certified payroll records to verify compliance. Both bills will be considered by the County Board of Legislators in the coming weeks.