On Thursday, October 24, 2013, over four hundred workers and their supporters flooded City Hall and testified to City Council members about the need for protections for workers on some of the city’s largest construction projects.
City Council passed this landmark legislation with a 6-1 vote. Now, thousands of workers that build projects receiving city tax incentives will have safety and wage protections, with living and prevailing wages. We cannot thank our allies enough– Austin Interfaith, the Building Trades, USAS, The Sierra Club, and supporters like you.
We and the working families we represent are deeply appreciative of Councilmember Mike Martinez for spearheading the bill and Councilmembers Kathie Tovo and Laura Morrison for co-sponsoring. Chris Riley courageously stood for working people, and modified some details in the bill in order to win the support of 6 of the 7 Council Members. Laura Williamson, we couldn’t have done it without you.
In the end, the construction workers of this City got this ambitious bill started, and they got it across the finish line. We still have lots more work to do, but last night was proof that we can achieve great things for our city together!
Media Coverage:
Fox 7 News, Austin
October 28th, 2013
City establishes living wage minimum
The Burnt Orange Report
October 25th, 2013
Austin City Council passes landmark wage requirements for development incentives
The Austin Chronicle
October 25th, 2013
Then there’s this: A decent wage
Texas Observer
October 25th, 2013
In Austin, workers score a big win
YNN, Austin
October 25th, 2013
Council approves living wage requirement for incentive deals
Austin American Statesman
October 24th, 2013
Council OKs economic incentive rules