I’m proud to stand with the more than 130 workers at Maramont Corporation as we fight to keep your jobs here right in Brooklyn. I want all of you to know that you are not alone in this fight. You have the full support, not just of my office, but of my colleague Council Member Sara Gonzalez, everyone at Workers United, and so many other leaders around our city and state.

The New York City Council believes that fighting unemployment and helping get more New Yorkers back to work is job number one. That’s why I was so disheartened to learn of Maramont’s plan to move its manufacturing operations out of the five boroughs. Now more than ever, we simply can’t afford to have good union jobs leave our city.

Additionally, Maramont currently has millions of dollars in contracts with city government. They provide meals to both the Department of Education and the Department of Homeless Services.

As we work to fight unemployment, the City Council is also working to increase the amount of food our city buys locally. Not only does this create jobs, it reduces the amount of transportation necessary – which is good for our environment. And it makes sure New Yorkers get the freshest food possible – which is good for public health.

I simply cannot support continuing contracts with a company that turns its back on hard working New Yorkers and their families. My office has reached out to Maramont President Harry Reichman, and I look forward to engaging in a dialogue with him around how we can keep their operations right here in Sunset Park. I’m hopeful that we can reach a resolution that will protect both the jobs and the rights of workers.

###