Mason Tenders District Council Announces Support of Port Authority of New York & New Jersey Capital Plan and Proposed Toll & Fare Increases

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NEW YORK, Aug. 8, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Robert Bonanza, business manager of the 15,000 member Mason Tenders District Council of Greater New York & Long Island (MTDC) today announced the support of the MTDC, and its affiliated local union, for the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey's proposed toll and fare increase.

"Our support for this toll increase can be summed up in one word – JOBS -," said Bonanza.  "Since the economic crisis of 2008, our members have experienced high levels of unemployment, a virtual collapse in private sector construction activity and an anemic response from all levels of government.  The capital plan of the Port Authority offers one of the few solid opportunities for good jobs in the coming years."

"The proposed $33 billion capital program will generate over 185,000 jobs within the greater metropolitan New York area," added Bonanza.  "These are good paying, solid jobs that will generate millions of dollars in economic activity and tax revenues."

"Throughout history, during times of economic recession and downturns, it has always been the construction industry that has primed the pump in getting the economic engine restarted.  We will never return to a robust economy, with full employment, until the construction industry is restored to full prosperity."

"While no one likes to see toll and fares increased, these actions are needed to ensure that New York remains the business and economic center of the world.  From the new World Trade Center that is rising in lower Manhattan, to the rebuilt Kennedy Airport, to the maintenance of our bridges and tunnels, the Port Authority is at the forefront of rebuilding, restoring and revitalizing New York.  It should be fully supported and applauded for its vision and commitment to our city, states and country," concluded Bonanza.

The Mason Tenders District Council is the umbrella organization for five local unions of the Laborers' International Union of North America, including construction workers, asbestos and hazardous wastes removal workers, recycling and trash handlers and lay faculty teachers in the Brooklyn and Rockville Center Archdioceses.  The MTDC is affiliated with the Building and Construction Trades Council of Greater New York, the Nassau and Suffolk Counties Building and Construction Trades Council, the New York City Central Labor Council and the New York State AFL-CIO.

SOURCE Mason Tenders District Council