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New York Post: How Union Construction Privileges Bleed Taxpayers Dry

By growthzone | June 8, 2018

At a recent campaign rally, Gov. Andrew Cuomo renewed his promise to New York City construction-union bosses and members, who just so happen to be among his biggest backers: ā€œThere will never be a state project that isnā€™t built with union laborā€ while heā€™s governor.

Syracuse: City’s Bid Requirements “Unrealistic,” Leave Syracuse Kids Behind (Your Letters)

By growthzone | June 4, 2018

Student-athletes at Fowler High School have spent nearly a decade without a home athletic field. This is largely due to excessive, unnecessary and frankly unfair regulation.

Construction Citizen: ABC Members and NCC Competitors Inspired By Opening Presentations At ABC Convention 2018

By growthzone | May 31, 2018

The Opening General Session of the ABC Convention 2018 in Long Beach, California began this year with an explosion of sound and excitement.

The Buffalo News: Another Voice: Revision To Apprenticeship Law Hurts Taxpayers

By growthzone | May 11, 2018

In late April, the Erie County Legislature, in a vote along party lines, passed Local Law 4-1 to close what they deemed to be a ā€œloopholeā€ in their apprenticeship law. Unfortunately, for the residents in Erie County, the ill-informed and misguided members of the Democratic majority chose to dramatically increase the cost of public construction at a time when financial resources for infrastructure are scarce.

The Buffalo News: Plan To Tighten County Apprenticeship Rules Draws Concern

By growthzone | April 4, 2018

What appears to be a minor change in an existing law has drawn concerns from business groups who think it would exclude many non-union contractors from county work.

Cuomo and his Surrogates are Pressuring Local Manufacturer to Build with Discriminatory PLA

By growthzone | March 12, 2018

Associated Builders & Contractors (ABC), Empire State Chapter President Brian Sampson blasted Governor Cuomo appointee Howard Zemsky and his team at Empire State Development Corp (ESDC). for pressuringĀ AthenexĀ leadership to place a Project Labor Agreement (PLA) on the construction of their new plant in Dunkirk.

Outdated Union Work Rules Driving Up MTA Costs

By growthzone | February 28, 2018

The Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) has come under fire of late. Itā€™s been accused of being one the most mismanaged transit authorities in the world. These accusations arise from the MTA being plagued by construction delays and high costs. However, being that all construction on NYC subways has to be 100% completed by union labor,…

Prevailing Wage Driving Up MTA Costs

By growthzone | February 27, 2018

The study looked at three different megaprojects to determine what factors are causing high construction costs. The RPA concludes that labor costs are the most divisive cost driver. The RPA cites a Turner and Townsend study, that found New York construction labor costs to be the highest in the world, reaching almost $100 per hour. These labor costs are directly attributed to New Yorkā€™s Prevailing Wage Law.Ā 

Long Island Business News: Court Puts Brakes On Oyster Bayā€™s Apprenticeship Law

By growthzone | February 8, 2018

A federal court judge issued a preliminary injunction against the Town of Oyster Bayā€™s apprenticeship law, paving the way for non-union contractors to once again work on large construction projects in the town.

Crain’s New York: Biz Leaders To Cuomo: Let Nonunion Contractors Do Subway Projects

By growthzone | January 8, 2018

A letter to Gov. Andrew Cuomo assails process that stifles competition

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