32BJ and security officers press council to fund retroactive prevailing-wage back pay for shelter security
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Summary
Union 32BJ and shelter security workers testified that Local Law 1 25 (the Safety for Our Shelters Act) required prevailing wages for security at contracted shelters but amendments and delayed contract changes left many officers owed back pay; union asks council to allocate about $90 million to DHS for retroactive payments.
Members of 32BJ and shelter security officers told the Council that Local Law 1 25, which requires prevailing wages and supplemental benefits for security officers at city-contracted shelters, has not been implemented uniformly and thousands of officers may be owed retroactive pay.
Union ask: 32BJ asked the council to allocate no less than $90 million to DHS to fund retroactive prevailing-wage back pay for thousands of shelter security guards. A union representative said contracts were amended late and that "thousands of officers are owed tens of millions of dollars in retroactive wages and benefits." The union also urged structural reforms to ensure timely contractor compliance.
Workers' testimony: Security officers described the personal impact of delayed payments. One worker described relying on back-pay funds to catch up on rent and phone bills and said the prevailing wage increment made a tangible difference in their household budget.
Agency response: DSS/DHS officials acknowledged the issue and said the prevailing wage increment was baselined in the budget and that contract language now includes prevailing wage requirements. Commissioner Park said the administration would confirm that every contract incorporates the law's requirements and would follow up on stakeholders providing specific claims for retroactive wages.
Next steps: Council members asked DSS to provide a detailed accounting of the scope of retroactive pay owed and to follow up with named stakeholders. DHS said it would review individual providers and use the fiscal closeout process to reconcile owed retroactive wages where appropriate.
Ending: The union and workers urged immediate council action to fund back pay and protect security staff who serve in high-need shelter settings.