Pittsburgh Council unanimously approves prevailing wage
Pittsburgh City Council gave final approval today to prevailing wage legislation that would ensure that hotel, grocery, janitorial and cafeteria workers at future city-subsidized development sites earn what their typical peers get citywide.
Originally introduced in November, the legislation generated months of vigorous debate, repeated rallies, public hearings, a New Year's Eve veto and a failed override bid. But today's final approval came with no debate, amendments or no votes.
Union workers and organizers, plus sympathizers from environmental, community activism and faith-based groups, filled Council Chamber with cheers after the vote.
On Monday, Mayor Luke Ravenstahl said he wouldn't likely veto the legislation if it won unanimous council approval.
"I think our law dept has some very real, legitimate questions about the legality and enforceability of that [legislation], and I'd be hesitant to put my signature on something that could hold the city liable in the future," he said. "But if nine members of council vote on it, don't anticipate a veto. If anything, I simply might not sign the bill based on my concerns on enforceability and where it might put the city legally."
Under the city charter, an unsigned bill becomes law. From the time council delivers the legislation to the mayor, he has 10 days to sign, veto, or allow it to become law without his signature.
Originally introduced in November, the legislation generated months of vigorous debate, repeated rallies, public hearings, a New Year's Eve veto and a failed override bid. But today's final approval came with no debate, amendments or no votes.
Union workers and organizers, plus sympathizers from environmental, community activism and faith-based groups, filled Council Chamber with cheers after the vote.
On Monday, Mayor Luke Ravenstahl said he wouldn't likely veto the legislation if it won unanimous council approval.
"I think our law dept has some very real, legitimate questions about the legality and enforceability of that [legislation], and I'd be hesitant to put my signature on something that could hold the city liable in the future," he said. "But if nine members of council vote on it, don't anticipate a veto. If anything, I simply might not sign the bill based on my concerns on enforceability and where it might put the city legally."
Under the city charter, an unsigned bill becomes law. From the time council delivers the legislation to the mayor, he has 10 days to sign, veto, or allow it to become law without his signature.