At Montesano Bros., we’ve always believed that our people are the foundation of our success. From our crews in the field to the teams managing projects behind the scenes, the work we do is only possible because of the men and women who put on a hard hat each day and give their all.
That’s why the recent package of pro-labor bills signed into law by Gov. Kathy Hochul on September 6 is so significant. These measures are designed to strengthen worker protections, create more good-paying union jobs, and reinforce safety standards across the construction industry in New York State.
What This Means for Our Industry
Several of the new laws will directly affect contractors like us:
- Apprenticeship Requirements: With contractors and subcontractors on renewable energy projects now required to have apprenticeship agreements, the law ensures the next generation of skilled tradespeople is being trained and given opportunities. For our crews, this means more structured pathways for growth, more training opportunities, and more hands on deck for complex projects.
- Workplace Safety Protections: Enhanced protections for public unions against wage reductions during workplace violence investigations and strengthened rules during workforce suspensions will ripple into the private sector by raising the bar for safety expectations industry wide. At Montesano Bros., safety has always been non negotiable, and these laws only reinforce that standard.
- Mechanical Insulation Incentives: Grants for insulation expenditures in schools will spark additional work opportunities while reducing energy costs and improving sustainability, an area we know will continue to grow in importance across the construction landscape.
How It Impacts Our Jobs and Employees
For our teams, these laws represent more than legislation, they represent stability and opportunity. They mean:
- Better training and apprenticeship pipelines for new hires.
- Increased job opportunities in renewable energy and infrastructure projects.
- A stronger focus on worker protections that align with the safety first culture we live by.
For our clients, it means projects that are built not only to last, but also by a workforce that is properly trained, fairly compensated, and supported by the strongest labor protections in the country.
Our Commitment
Frank Montesano Sr. built this company on the belief that honest work, respect for people, and doing the job right the first time are the cornerstones of success. As New York State doubles down on protecting workers, we are proud to say that Montesano Bros. will continue to stand behind the very people who make our projects and our communities possible.
We welcome these changes and are excited for the new opportunities they will bring for our employees, our partners, and the future of construction in New York.
