Industry Representatives Testify Before the NYC Council Housing and Buildings Committee

On December 13th representatives from our industry testified before the NYC Council Housing and Buildings Committee regarding Intro. 247-2014. In 2014 Councilmember Elizabeth Crowley introduced this bill to address the important safety issue of the performance of unlicensed electrical work. Intro 247-2014, if enacted would amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to criminal and civil penalties for the performance of unauthorized electrical work. The proposed bill increases the maximum criminal fine from $5,000 to $25,000 and lengthens the term of imprisonment that may be imposed from six months to one year. The bill also codifies the civil penalty for a first time violation to $4,800. Councilwoman Crowley stated, “These stiffer penalties are necessary to effectively deter unlicensed contractors from engaging in this work that puts the public at risk.”
Representing our industry before the Housing and Buildings Committee were Local 3, IBEW Business Representative Benjamin Arana, AEC President Carol Kleinberg, NYECA President Stephen Gianotti and JIB Political Affairs Liaison Humberto Restrepo. They submitted written testimony that has been entered into the record in support of Intro. 247-2014. Testifying before the committee they expressed the importance of imposing severe criminal and civil penalties for the performance of unlicensed electrical work. During questioning by the committee they informed the city council members present about the safety training offered to Local 3 electricians, as well as, the highest standards of worker safety promoted by our electrical contractors. The adherence to New York City’s stringent electrical code is essential for the safety of the public and the assurance that electrical work has been performed as per the high standards established by the unionized electrical industry.
Also testifying in support of the bill were representatives from the NYC Dept. of Buildings, who also encouraged the imposition of additional penalties for the performance of work without an electrical permit. Alex Gleason, Policy Associate of the NYC Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO testified as well. Mr. Gleason stated, “Intro. 247-2014 safeguards the city from adverse consequences of improperly installed and maintained electrical systems, protecting workers, tenants, owners and communities from dangerous practices.”