Labor leaders, including Westchester Putnam Building Trades Council Vice President Ed Cooke and Louis Sanchez, business representative for IBEW Local 3, joined Board of Legislators Chairman Vedat Gashi and other county legislators at a pre-vote press conference in the Board’s rotunda in advance of the unanimous vote.

Chairman Gashi (D–New Castle, Ossining, Somers, Yorktown) said, “When Westchester County invests in construction, every worker on that job deserves fair pay—regardless of whether the building is owned or leased by the County. This law closes a loophole and sends a clear message: Westchester puts workers first.”

The new measure applies to lease agreements of 10 years or more and construction projects exceeding $250,000 undertaken on behalf of the county. Contractors and subcontractors on those projects will be required to pay prevailing wages and maintain certified payroll records to verify compliance. The law takes effect for new lease agreements entered into 120 days after adoption. It includes an exemption for emergency construction work required to protect public health and safety.

President Jeff Loughlin of the Westchester/Putnam Building and Construction Trades Council said, “On behalf of the Building and Construction Trades Council, I would like to extend our thanks to all that were involved in getting this legislation through. This, in conjunction with the apprenticeship bill, are two big items for organized labor. There are no downsides for us and it will even benefit the non-union workforce out there during these difficult economic times.”

Mr. Sanchez added, “Protecting prevailing wage standards in Westchester County is a shared responsibility among policymakers, employers, and workers. By enforcing these laws, we promote competitive bidding, reduce wage theft, and help address the affordability crisis facing our communities.”