How the Unions Waste Our Money

A separate study linked to here a few months ago noted that buildings cost 25% more to build here because of union rules, without any benefit (construction quality not higher, there aren't fewer accidents, etc). Just a little taste of how ridiculous the system is: http://www.crainsnewyork.com/article/20090424/FREE/904249981/1097 Developers had to pay members of 72 different unions every day, but... [more]

A separate study linked to here a few months ago noted that buildings cost 25% more to build here because of union rules, without any benefit (construction quality not higher, there aren't fewer accidents, etc). Just a little taste of how ridiculous the system is: http://www.crainsnewyork.com/article/20090424/FREE/904249981/1097 Developers had to pay members of 72 different unions every day, but they didn't work the same days, so often they'd be paid to do NOTHING. Developers asked if holidays can be coordinated. Unions, as a concession in a recession to help get things started.. say "ok, we can sync holidays" finally. But, get this, this has to be APPROVED. So apparently, some projects need to stay wasteful, because their members need their rest after their 7 hour days. "The vast majority of the savings stem from efficiencies from work rule changes, sources say. Unions have agreed to work an eight instead of a seven hour day. They have also agreed to honor a common list of holidays. However, sources said there are few if any wage or benefit concessions.... Developers were also disappointed that the agreement won’t be automatically applied across the board. Sources say that instead developers will have to apply to have their project covered by the new work rules. One source says the owners of 14 developments have made applications and that requests will be granted depending on whether the unions believe their concessions will really benefit the project. " One more time, the union gets to vote on whether PEOPLE WORKING AT THE SAME TIME will benefit the project. And we wonder why the state is going down the tubes... [less]