THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK
OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS

City Hall
New York, NY 10007
(212) 788-7116
**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE** 
January 13, 2012

Contact: (212) 788-7116
Please email photo requests to walatriste@council.nyc.gov 
Release #: 10-2012

STATEMENTS BY  STUART APPELBAUM, PRESIDENT OF THE RETAIL, WHOLESALE AND DEPARTMENT STORE UNION  AND COUNCIL MEMBERS G. OLIVER KOPPELL, ANNABEL PALMA, INEZ DICKENS AND BRONX BOROUGH PRESIDENT RUBEN DIAZ JR.
Re: Living Wage Agreement

Statement by Stuart Appelbaum, President of the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union

“This is a major step toward raising the bar on what government can do to improve the lives of all working people. We have achieved important goals: a living wage policy framework that applies to all workers in subsidized projects, including retail employees, a living wage requirement for direct subsidy recipients, and a new pilot program that will create more living wage retail jobs.This is a landmark victory that will have national implications and lead to further victories. We are especially grateful to City Council Speaker Christine Quinn, Councilmember Oliver Koppell, Councilmember Annabel Palma, and Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. for their leadership and support.”

Statement by Kathy Wylde, President of the New York City Partnership

“I am delighted to be here to thank the Speaker of the Council leadership, the bill sponsors, the labor community and coalition that has been responsive to the concerns of the business community about the original living wage legislation. It is no secret that from the business standpoint there are great concerns about government regulation, and the living wage bill in many people’s minds falls into that category. And the concern is not that we don’t share the desire that everybody should have the ability to live and live well in NYC. The concern is in fact more about will there be an impact that cost loss of jobs, raises project costs, and otherwise contributes to the wrong direction of our economy. I think what has happened over the last months is that the Council leadership and the bill sponsors have come together, listened to some of the concerns and have resulted in language for a bill that is fair and reasonable and that the business community will be able to have some comfort in that this will be a positive step forward. So I’m pleased to be here with this coalition.”

Statement by Council Member G. Oliver Koppell

“I am pleased and gratified that the Speaker has recognized the importance of doing everything possible to provide for living wage jobs at City-subsidized projects. I believe we have established the outlines of a proposal that is a significant and important first step. As one of the lead sponsors of the Fair Wages for New Yorkers Act, I am fully committed to moving ahead under the Speaker’s leadership.”

Statement by Council Member Annabel Palma

“In times like these - when New Yorkers of all races, colors, and creeds too often feel like their shot at the American dream is slipping further out of reach - it is crucial for elected officials to come together in the name of real change. This hard-wrought agreement will help a number of New Yorkers secure jobs that pay a living wage and I am grateful for the support of my colleagues and all of those who have been vocal advocates of this bill. Although this bill will not solve the economic and social challenges that so many New Yorkers face every day – poverty, unemployment, and homelessness - it is a clear step in the right direction. Many thanks to Speaker Quinn for recognizing that Living Wage goes far beyond politics. The heart of the matter is what matters most: that working people deserve to make enough to support themselves and their families. It is important to remember the debates does not end here. Real reform for working families is needed at both the State and Federal level and I am committed to continuing to fight hard for those changes.” 

Statement by Council Member Inez Dickens

“I stand here today in support of the Living Wage bill.  With the leadership of my Speaker, Christine Quinn, we now have an agreement on language for a bill that allows many New Yorkers to earn a decent living wage while maintaining the presence of a strong, private sector business community in our City.  I have always believed in the principle of a living wage.  However, I know that MWBE’s and small businesses fuel economic engines and provide jobs for communities across this City.  This bill now provides adequate protections to MWBE’s and small businesses that I feel is critical to the continued economic recovery and growth of our great City.”

Statement by Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

 “I am extremely happy that we have reached an agreement on the ‘Fair Wages for New Yorkers’ Act, and that this important bill will finally see a vote in the City Council. The deal we have reached today creates the strongest ‘living wage’ legislation in the nation, one that will demand that direct recipients of significant taxpayer subsidies do better by their employees. This will guarantee that happens, and marks an important step forward on the economic development policy in the City of New York. This bill sends an important message to the business community.  Indeed, New York City is open for business, but at a better rate of return for the taxpayer. 
 
I would like to thank Speaker Quinn for working closely with my office on this compromise. I would also like to thank City Council members G. Oliver Koppell and Annabel Palma, all of our City Council co-sponsors, RWDSU and Stuart Appelbaum, and the entire Living Wage NYC coalition—which brought together clergy and community leaders from across the City—for their strong advocacy on this legislation.
 
This bill will ensure that taxpayer subsidies are used to improve the quality of life of New Yorkers. Today’s announcement is a victory for the people of this City, and I look forward to this legislation becoming law.”

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