The Westchester County Board of Legislators unanimously passed the Westchester County Lessor Prevailing Wage Act, guaranteeing construction workers on County-leased properties the same standard union wages they would earn on County-owned job sites.

The measure closes a longstanding gap in state labor law that left workers unprotected on County-leased properties. Under existing law, construction on privately owned land, even when leased by the County and directly supporting County operations, can fall outside the legal definition of “public work,” leaving workers without prevailing wage protections.

During a pre-vote press conference in the Board’s rotunda, labor leaders including Westchester Putnam Building Trades Council Vice President Ed Cooke and Louis Sanchez, Business Representative for Local 3, IBEW, joined Chairman Vedat Gashi, Vice Chair Terry Clements, Majority Leader Judah Holstein, Majority Whip Shanae Williams, Minority Leader Margaret A. Cunzio, Minority Whip James Nolan, Legislators Erika L. Pierce, Jenn Puja, Nancy E. Barr, Anant Nambiar, Jewel Williams Johnson, Emiljana Ulaj, David T. Imamura, Tyrae Woodson-Samuels, David J. Tubiolo, and José I. Alvarado.

Chairman Gashi (D–New Castle, Ossining, Somers, Yorktown) said, “When Westchester County invests in construction, every worker on that job deserves fair pay—regardless of whether the building is owned or leased by the County. This law closes a loophole and sends a clear message: Westchester puts workers first.”

The new measure applies to lease agreements of 10 years or more and construction projects exceeding $250,000 undertaken on behalf of the County. Contractors and subcontractors on those projects will be required to pay prevailing wages and maintain certified payroll records to verify compliance. The law takes effect for new lease agreements entered into 120 days after adoption. It includes an exemption for emergency construction work required to protect public health and safety.

Legislator Puja (D–White Plains, Scarsdale, West Harrison), Chair of the Board’s Labor Committee, said, “This is yet another way Westchester is putting workers first! As a union member and a County legislator, I know how critical prevailing wages are to protecting workers and ensuring safe, high-quality construction. This legislation closes a longstanding gap by requiring fair wages on significant County-leased projects. When economic development truly benefits workers, their families, and the communities they call home, what results is a stronger workforce and a stronger Westchester.”

Thomas Carey, President, Westchester/Putnam Central Labor Body AFL-CIO, said, “Once again, I am Honored to stand shoulder to shoulder with Our Westchester County legislators and County Executive on this prevailing wage bill. Prevailing wage provides A Competitive wage and benefit package for everyone who works on these projects in Westchester County, our legislators and County Executive see the importance of our workforce and continue to stand up for what is right and the importance of providing good wages for our labor force, These men and women never ask for a handout but a hand up to provide for their families.”

Jeff Loughlin, President, Westchester/Putnam Building and Construction Trades Council said, “On behalf of the Building and Construction Trades Council, I would like to extend our thanks to all that were involved in getting this legislation through. This, in conjunction with the apprenticeship bill, are two big items for organized labor. There are no downsides for us and it will even benefit the non-union workforce out there during these difficult economic times.”

Louis Sanchez said, “Protecting prevailing wage standards in Westchester County is a shared responsibility among policymakers, employers, and workers. By enforcing these laws, we promote competitive bidding, reduce wage theft, and help address the affordability crisis facing our communities.”