Public testimony: Karan Banks, SEIU 32BJ, supports project with conditions

Hey, can you hear me?

Oh, now we can hear you, yes.

Excellent.

You may begin your testimony.

Thank you.

Good morning, Madam Chair.

Good morning, members of the subcommittee.

My name is Karan Banks.

I'm the Deputy Political Director representing SEIU Local 32BJ.

32BJ is a member-driven union representing 190,000 building service workers who work hard to keep

New York City's buildings safe and clean.

We work to ensure that landlords profiting in the city and across the country act responsibly and respect the communities they depend on for success.

32BJ also supports responsible developers who invest in their communities, and I'm happy to report that the developer of the proposed project, Proto Property Services, has made a credible commitment to creating good jobs for many of the workers who will permanently staff the buildings.

Good jobs like these mean prevailing wages, benefits, and benefits.

And a pathway to the middle class for local community members who tend to fill such positions.

32BJ, we're also in ongoing conversations with the developer around extending similar standards for future security employees at the site, which remain a concern.

But 32BJ and its members have fought for years to establish and protect high standards for security officers who are committed to applying the standard to workers at this development.

Nonetheless, we are extremely encouraged by the conversations we've had with the developer.

Look forward to continuing.

Yes.

Sorry, can you just hold on for a second?

Keith, can you please mute your device?

Keith, if you could hear us, if you could please mute your device.

Koran, you may continue your testimony.

Thank you.

No problem.

I'll just wrap up by saying that we are very encouraged by the conversations we've had with the developer today and look forward to continuing in the coming days.

And we support this project.

Thank you.