Labor Leaders Applaud Ulster County Law Strengthening Rules for Apprenticeships

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Local labor leaders, apprentices and elected officials joined Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger Wednesday in Kingston for a ceremonial signing of local law No. 10 in honor of Labor Day. The legislation was passed in May to strengthen requirements for construction apprenticeships in county government projects to promote skills development and expand opportunities for jobs locally.

The legislation requires all bidders on county government construction projects valued above $750,000 to have an accredited apprenticeship program with a proven graduation rate above 30 percent consistently for the last five years.

“By setting higher graduation requirements in this law, we’re ensuring that our workers have the hands-on training, skills and job opportunities that they deserve,” said County Executive Metzger. “Thank you to my colleagues in the county Legislature, and especially Legislator Kenneth J. Ronk, Jr. and Legislator Laura Petit for sponsoring this legislation. And, thank you to the members of labor and county legislators who joined us for the signing.”

Daniel Ortega of Engineers Labor-Employer Cooperative 825 (ELEC 825) said the law will help boost local employment, improve safety and the quality of work on projects, and make the bidding process more competitive. “We are grateful to County Executive Jen Metzger and to our local legislators for supporting this legislation, which is very important for our local workforce, communities and economy. This will ensure government agencies have access to a larger pool of skilled local contractors, and that young people receive proper training and have access to good-paying jobs locally.”

ABOUT ELEC 825

The Engineers Labor-Employer Cooperative, ELEC 825, is a collaborative labor-management organization representing building contractor associations in New York and New Jersey. ELEC 825 works to expand economic development and stimulate growth working with chambers of commerce, business partnerships, professional associations and industry coalitions to support policies, legislation and regulations that encourage responsible economic development.

PHOTO CAPTION:

Labor leaders and public officials joined Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger Sept. 6 in Kingston for a ceremonial signing of legislation passed in May to strengthen rules for construction apprenticeships in county government projects. Pictured, from left: Robert McClinchey, DC9 Painters; Daniel Ortega, ELEC 825; Scott Smith, Carpenters Local 279; Chris, Plumber Local 21 apprentice; County Legislator Kathy Nolan; Chris Cerone, LiUNA Local 17; Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger; Dean Tamburri, LiUNA Local 17; Mike Ham, IUOE Local 825; County Legislator Manna Jo Greene; Tom O’Brien, Plumbers Local 21; County Legislator Laura Petit; Matt Ross, Carpenters Local 279; and Todd Diorio, LiUNA Local 17.