PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Dear readers,

The STA has been keeping our eye on a few things going on that affect the construction industry.

The first is the legalization of marijuana. While the legalization may be inevitable, we must work with city agencies to ensure that the highest level of safety procedures are adhered to on jobsites to protect both our workers and the general public. The Building Trades Employers’ Association (BTEA) has taken a lead on working with the Department of Buildings to approach the issue before the legalization is final. The STA will inform you of any new information arising from this issue.

The second is the appointment of a new commissioner of the Department of Design and Construction – Jamie Torres-Singer. Mr. Torres-Singer was previously the first deputy commission of DDC. The STA has fostered a longtime relationship with this agency, especially with his predecessor Lorraine Grillo, and we look forward to continuing it with this new commissioner. We will keep you apprised on any meetings that take place with DDC as well as all public agencies in the city.

The third issue the association continues to watch very closely is all matters of the COVID-19 pandemic. In early March, Governor Cuomo signed legislation granting employees time off to receive the COVID-19 vaccine; up to four hours per injection for public and private employees. Please contact the STA If you need more information about this legislation. A continuing problem the STA has been talking about with leadership is the protocols in regards to sick leave and quarantine leave. We understand this is a problem when an entire team can have to quarantine for a certain amount of time due to a positive case on a jobsite. While there is no quick fix to this, it is absolutely a problem that we understand is putting pressure and stress on our member companies.

As always, please contact the STA about any of these three matters or of an issue at all to info@stanyc.com.

Very best,

Joe Leo

STA President