The "Fair Wages for New Yorkers" Act, which was introduced into the City Council at the behest of Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, would require developers that receive heavy taxpayer subsidies to pay their employees a "living wage."
"That "living wage," as defined by our bill, is a modest sum. What we are asking for is that employees at heavily subsidized projects earn $10 an hour with benefits, or $11.50 an hour without, as defined by federal law.
Although it would not hurt the financial viability or profitability of these major developments, this small sum would, indeed, dramatically alter the lives of their employees. A few dollars more each week could mean the difference between food on the table, new clothes for the children, much needed medication or an on-time rent payment", said Bronx borough president Ruben Diaz Jr.