The New York City Council has approved the Construction Justice Act, also known as Intro 0910, a labor-backed measure that establishes clear community hiring and compensation standards for City-assisted housing development projects. The legislation aims to ensure that public investment in housing also delivers family-sustaining jobs and stronger economic outcomes in the neighborhoods where development takes place.
Under the new law, housing projects that receive city assistance will be required to meet defined workforce standards, reinforcing the principle that public dollars should support not only housing production but also fair labor practices and local economic growth.
The bill was sponsored by Council Member Carmen De La Rosa, chair of the Committee on Civil Service and Labor, and received strong backing from organized labor. Supporters included Laborers Local 79, the Mason Tenders, Greater New York LECET, Painters District Council 9, 32BJ Service Employees International Union, and the American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees District Council 37, along with the New York City AFL-CIO Central Labor Council.
Council Member De La Rosa framed the legislation as a critical step toward aligning the city’s housing strategy with worker protections and economic equity.
“We have ambitious housing goals, but it must be done with dignity for the Workers helping accomplish them. The Council voted to uplift these Workers out of poverty and ensure a brighter future for our Working-Class New Yorkers.”
Labor leaders and advocates argue that the Construction Justice Act addresses long-standing concerns about wage standards, job quality and community inclusion on publicly supported housing projects. By setting clearer requirements, proponents say the law helps prevent a race to the bottom in labor costs while encouraging contractors to invest in skilled, local workforces.
The vote comes as New York City continues to pursue aggressive housing production targets amid affordability challenges and a growing need for workforce stability in the construction sector. Supporters say the legislation balances the urgency of building new housing with the responsibility to ensure that the jobs created contribute to long-term economic security for workers and their families.
With passage secured, labor organizations and city officials are expected to focus next on implementation, oversight and compliance to ensure the law delivers its intended benefits for both housing development and the construction workforce.
Originally reported by New York City AFL-CIO Labor Council News in WNY Labor Today.
