New York State Laborers Seek Reform Of New York City Department Of Recreation And Parks; Urges Greater Transparency And Accountability For Agency With Poor Construction Record

NEW YORK, Oct. 31, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- One of New York State's most progressive labor organizations today praised New York City Council Member Richie Torres for introducing a bill that would bring greater transparency and accountability to the New York City Department of Parks and Recreations (NYC DPR). The NYC DPR has long been a financial black hole for construction projects that are often plagued with cost over runs, delays and dishonest contractors.

"NYC residents deserve greater accountability for their hard earned tax dollars," said John Hutchings, New York State Laborers Director of Political Action and Organizing. "The NYC DPR has a history littered with construction projects finishing excessively late and negligently over budget. That is assuming the projects are ever completed."

Hutching's added that NYC DPR construction projects are doomed from the beginning due to the unscrupulous contractors they hire to execute the projects. "Successful construction projects are built on a solid foundation. NYC DPR construction projects are built on quicksand and it all starts with hiring contractors with a history of labor violations and an utter lack of respect for tax payer dollars," Hutchings added.  

"We commend Councilmember Torres for demanding that the NYC DPR operate in a manner consistent with the progressive principles our elected leaders claim to live by. We are confident that Intro. 1340 will pass the City Council and cannot imagine a scenario where Mayor de Blasio would veto a law that brings about greater worker protections, tax payer savings and timely projects to the parks that millions of New York City children play on everyday. This law embodies everything the Mayor preaches about every day," concluded Hutchings.

The New York State Laborers' Union represents over 40,000 members employed in the construction industry and other fields throughout the state. They are an affiliate of the Laborers' International Union of North America (LIUNA). With over a half of million member's nationwide, LIUNA is the most progressive, aggressive and fastest-growing union of construction workers in the nation.  

SOURCE New York State Laborers