Hundreds of union construction workers on Tuesday rallied outside the Shirley A. Chisholm State Office Building in support of what will be New York City’s first union-built, union-financed, and union-operated building at 970 Franklin Ave. in Crown Heights.
Led by developer Continuum Company, the project is expected to create over 1,000 union jobs, according to a press release.
Initially organized to encourage City Council Member Crystal Hudson’s support ahead of a final zoning approval, the rally turned into a celebration after Hudson endorsed the project.
“This project is the very first of its kind in New York City...and it won’t be the last,” Hudson said. “We need to make sure we continue to support projects, build projects, and finance projects that are union-built, union-financed, and union-operated. This is the best scenario we could have achieved for this particular project.”
Gary LaBarbera, president of the Building and Construction Trades Council of Greater New York, encouraged the rallying crowd to support projects that benefit the community.
“Today is a good day for everyone involved. For the community, for the developer, and for all of you and your futures,” said LaBarbera. “It’s important that you realize that you and your voices have power. You have a stake in your future, you have a voice in your future, and we’re going to be here to raise your voice and use your power.”
Union leaders called on city officials to support further pro-development initiatives, emphasizing that projects like Continuum’s can help address New York City’s growing housing and employment needs while empowering the middle class.
