(BUFFALO, NEW YORK) – The New York Foundation for Fair Contracting (NYFFC) is celebrating the first-ever enforcement of the City of Buffalo’s Apprenticeship Law.

Bidding on a Citywide Roadway Spot Repair Project, Contractor Amherst Paving was not awarded a contract due to its failure to comply with the Apprenticeship Law – the first firm to face consequences under this law in the 14 years that it has been on the books.

“Over a decade ago, Buffalo ‘made a promise’ to young Workers.  ‘This decision puts us on the right path towards keeping it,’” New York Foundation for Fair Contracting’s Matt Kent said. “Our community ‘deserves better than to rubberstamp law-breaking contractors and reward them with our public dollars.’”

The NYFFC is a watchdog non-profit that works to level the playing field in public works construction for the benefit of taxpayers, responsible contractors and Workers.

Strong Apprenticeship Programs are vital to train the next generation of Buffalo’s construction workforce and the 2006 Apprenticeship Law requires city projects over $100,000 to be performed by contractors with registered Apprenticeship Programs.

To ensure opportunities are actually provided, the law requires Apprentices perform at least 10% of all hours worked.

The Apprenticeship Law also promotes greater workforce development opportunities specifically for city residents and historically excluded minorities and women.

The Common Council ordered a review of Amherst Paving’s compliance after the NYFFC alerted City Officials in August of the contractor’s likely violations of the required Apprentice hours on its ongoing Buffalo Citywide Mill & Overlay Project

Questioned further by Majority Leader David Rivera this week, Public Works Commissioner Mike Finn confirmed the company has been found to provide only half the Apprentice hours mandated by law (Click here to listen to their discussion at nine-minute mark in caucus meeting).

However, an open question that remains is to the degree to which Amherst Paving will employ Apprentices on this project where it is currently in violation and what conditions need to be met for the City to enforce the law and terminate the contract.

The NYFFC is applauding the Common Council for bringing much needed oversight to this situation.  With oversight and enforcement, genuine Apprenticeship Programs can strengthen Buffalo’s Construction Industry, promote skilled work and offer local Workers a ladder into the Middle Class, said NYFFC Officials, adding that building on this success, young workers can be provided with real opportunities to earn decent livings while learning valuable Trades.

For More Information on the New York Foundation for Fair Contracting, Go To: https://nyfaircontracting.org/