On Labor Day, Governor Kathy Hochul signed four pieces of legislation, some of which were introduced by Queens lawmakers, to boost workplace safety and put more money in workers’ pockets.
Two of the measures were authored by state Senator Jessica Ramos, who was in East Elmhurst with a group of union volunteers clearing debris from Hurricane Ida-stricken homes when she got the news.
“With laborers, with the carpenters, with the building trades, we had introduced a bill to make general contractors liable for any wage theft that happens with their subcontractors,” Ramos said. “Governor Hochul just signed our bill into law.”
As the workers erupted into applause and congratulations, another of Ramos’ bills was signed extending shared work benefits.
“This Labor Day, we make history for New York’s workers. Addressing wage theft in the construction industry and strengthening the benefits for New Yorkers in the Shared Work Program puts more money in working families’ pockets,” Ramos said. “I thank the governor for taking the soonest action and look forward to continuing our work towards a fair and inclusive recovery.”
