This week, a coalition of groups and unions that have been fighting for such a law are calling the city's selection "rigged," claiming that two of the economists chosen to work on the project are biased and have well-known anti-living wage sentiments.
“Using consultants who have already made up their minds shows that the EDC is not concerned with the economic development of all New Yorkers," said Valery Jean, Executive Director of Families United for Racial Economic Equality, in a statement. His group is part of the Living Wage NYC campaign.
A press release issued by the EDC says that Charles River Associates was chosen through a "public, competitive process," and that the firm has a "strong expertise in economic and financial analysis."
The Living Wage NYC campaign released a statement accusing two of the consultants, David Neumark and Daniel Hamermesh, of having ties to a research organization called the Employment Policies Institute, which they say is backed by the beverage industry and notoriously anti-living wage (read their whole statement here.)
Last June, Neumark wrote this article for the Wall Street Journal, where he argues against a minimum wage increase during a recession.
The idea of a requiring a living wage--a salary paid to workers that's higher than the mandated minimum wage--has been a contentious topic here in the Bronx. Last year, a plan to build a shopping mall at the Kingsbridge Armory was voted down by the City Council after the project's developer refused to pay workers there a minimum of $10 an hour (or $11.50 without benefits).
The incident sparked a controversial and citywide debate. Supporters say a living wage is a reasonable way for hard-working residents to survive in a city that's only getting more expensive. Opponents--including the Bloomberg administration--argue that such a requirement would burden businesses and hinder development.
This spring, Bronx City Council reps Oliver Koppell and Annabel Palma introduced a bill, dubbed the Fair Wages for New Yorkers Act, that would require any developers who receive taxpayer subsidies to fund their projects to pay their workers a living wage.
Living wage supporters say the EDC's study is a "stalling tactic" to stop such legislation from passing. the study is expected to be finished by next spring.
First I find it hard to believe that NYCEDC could not find a NYC based group to conduct the study. So they go to Bloomberg's old home town!
ReplyDeleteLets not sit on our hands and Moan and Groan at how big business lobbies its way to profits at the expense of the small people.
We have some of the best brains here in NYC. All we need is someone with the know how to organize/manage the study/survey and I am sure people will donate time and money towards the project, crowdsourcing anyone? A study by the people for the people!
Brave words but am I brave enough to sign this post?