RSS Feed
 |
|
|||||
|
Oyster Bay to require private work contractors to have apprenticeship agreements A requirement that applicants for building permits for commercial buildings 100,000 square feet or larger have apprenticeship agreements will be the subject of Tuesday, July 31, Oyster Bay Town Board hearing, according to Town Councilman Anthony D. Macagnone, who proposed the requirement. "In March 2003, the Town of Oyster Bay became the first Town in Nassau County to require contractors and subcontractors doing business with the Town to have apprenticeship agreements, which are programs that offer men and women the opportunity to learn a skilled occupation through on-thejob training and classroom instruction," Councilman Macagnone stated. The Town is now proposing to take apprenticeship agreements one step further by requiring applicants for building permits for commercial buildings 100,000 square feet and larger to provide proof that any general contractor, contractor or sub-contractor for the project has apprenticeship agreements appropriate for the type and scope of work to be performed, which have been registered with, and approved by, the New York State Department of Labor in accordance with Article 23 of New York State Labor Law. "Both apprentices and employers benefit from apprenticeship programs," said Councilman Macagnone. "Apprentices become skilled, motivated craft workers who possess the latest technological skills and who fill critical needs for skilled workers in the face of retirements and the need to be highly productive with a reduced workforce. Employers who sponsor apprenticeship programs report reduced turnover and improved employee morale because their employees see that they value trained employees and are willing to make an investment in their education." Apprenticeship language will be incorporated into a new Section, 16.1 Safe and Code Compliant Construction, to be added to the Town Code, Chapter 93. The meeting will be held in the hearing room of Town Hall East, 54 Audrey Ave., Oyster Bay. Beginning at 10 a.m., the regular Town calendar, including the above-mentioned hearing, will be called. Following the regular Town business, the Town Board will be available to listen to public comment on any matter. "Protecting the safety of the public is one of the primary responsibilities of the Town Board," Councilman Macagnone said. "By requiring apprenticeship programs, we will know that trained, skilled craftsmen and women will be working on construction projects making sure that building and safety codes are strictly and consistently met and teaching these values to the next generation of craftsmen and women.
"Labor has a proud heritage in our country, and this amendment to our code represents another important step the Town is taking to promote its healthy future, as well as protect the safety of our residents," Councilman Macagnone stated. "By requiring contractors to have an apprenticeship program, we are doing our part to ease the skilled labor shortage and ensure the quality workmanship that makes a safe building and makes America proud."
|
for larger version       |
||||
