Bill Would Require Good Wages at City Developments

A bill that would provide good wages and benefits to workers employed at new city-subsidized developments has been introduced by Pittsburgh City Council President Doug Shields.

Janitors, food service workers, grocery store employees, and certain hotel workers stand to gain from the bill, which seven of nine council members sponsored.

Shields says one opponent of the legislation is Mayor Luke Ravenstahl’s office, which he says put forth propaganda against the bill as soon as the idea was brought up.

Shields says many developers also oppose his bill, but he respects their position.

“It’s a fairly risky business, now more so than ever,” says Shields. “But at the same time, you’ve got to look at the big picture. You’ve got to look at the overall health and welfare of this community.”

A public hearing on the legislation will be held Thursday, December 10, at 2:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers.

A final vote on the proposition could come as early as Tuesday, December 15.