May 7, 2013
By Glen Casey
New York State AFL-CIO
This week in Albany, the AFL-CIO has come out in opposition to the repeal of the Scaffolding Law. This law allows workers who fall from heights and suffer catastrophic injuries to sue outside of the workers compensation system. Opponents say the law is onerous and drives up project cost due to the availability and cost of separate insurance. Proponents argue that due to the nature of these injuries often caused by unenforced safety regulations, workers need this protection to care for their families long term financial needs.
The AFL-CIO also came out in favor of roadway excavation legislation. This bill would require competent workers skilled in opening up streets. Currently, advocates argue that fly by night crews are opening up streets with workers that don’t possess the knowledge of the work and are significantly undercutting wages. New York City has similar guidelines and this bill would bring New York State into similar compliance.
Attorney General Schniderman vs. Union Workers Credit Services
New York Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman has filed a law suit against Union Workers Credit Services, Inc., for false advertising and deceptive business practices in connection with their solicitations for a pre-approved "Platinum" credit card. The AG in his suit specifies that UWCS was targeting union members with advertisements and solicitations on credit cards. Union members were paying an upfront fee for what was though a general purpose credit card, however the cards could only be used to purchase items for UWCS.
Meet Comptroller DiNapoli
The New York State AFL-CIO and the NYC CLC are sponsoring a Labor Briefing and Discussion with NYS Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. This briefing will be held on Friday, May 17, 2013 at the New York Hotel & Motel Trades Council, 305 West 44th Street, New York, NY., from 8:30-10:00 a.m. Invitations are being sent and RSVP's are required. Comptroller DiNapoli will report on the State's fiscal condition and other initiatives undertaken by his office. This will also be an opportunity to ask questions and discuss other issues of mutual concern.
(For further information please contact Glen Casey at gcasey@caseysr.com. Glen is a lobbyist in Albany representing unions, associations, and not-for-profits)
