The details
According to a news release, the CCR proposes a worker-focused board that would help oversee public spending to ensure that it is spent responsibly. Additionally, the board would also encourage local hiring and worker protections.
“The creation of the trades advisory board will serve San Antonio in a more expansive and fair way by inviting workers to lead the conversations and decisions that most affect them,” said McKee-Rodriguez.
Potential benefits of TAB include:
- Promoting local hiring by ensuring that public dollars support local workers and businesses
- Strengthening the workforce pipeline by aligning existing San Antonio workforce training with employer needs
- Protecting workers and reducing exploitation by addressing wage theft, misclassification, and contractor abuses before they catalyze into major issues
- Increasing transparency and accountability with data-driven oversight of city projects and contracts
- Enhancing economic equity by ensuring that city investments benefit working families
The CCR also provides a timeline for creating the trades advisory board with a one-year pilot program focused on City-funded construction, telecommunications and infrastructure projects.
District 1 Council member Sukh Kaur, District 4 Council member Adriana Rocha Garcia and District 6 Council member Melissa Cabello Havrda provided supporting signatures to the CCR.
Quote of note
“The vision for this board is to ensure that workers have a seat at the table, lifting their voice when it comes to enforcing labor standards, workforce development and training, and coordinating these efforts within publicly funded city contracts,” Castillo said. “As we envision the future of San Antonio, this board will be a vital asset for the workers who build this city.”
