April 13, 2010
"The influx of young professionals and social entrepreneurs to New Orleans after the storm has resulted in a "creative class" that has helped stimulate the recovery"
New Orleans, LA - Apr. 13, 2010 - Today, the New Orleans City Council's Special Development Projects and Economic Development Committee heard testimony from the President and members of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 21 LA on the availability and quality of jobs, wages, and benefits for service employees.
SEIU Local 21 LA President, Helene O'Brien, spoke about her members' primary goals:
1) regular wages and reasonable benefits;
2) job stability; and
3) dignity and respect in the workplace.
SEIU members in attendance provided firsthand accounts of unfair labor practices, including the withholding of overtime pay, an absence of affordable healthcare, and a lack of adequate company-sponsored retirement plans. Council President and committee Chair Arnie Fielkow and District "B" Councilmember Stacy Head committed to work further with SEIU and other interested parties on potential legislation addressing SEIU's concerns.
"While local and small businesses have been a driving force in the city's rebuilding, New Orleans has certainly reaped the benefits of national and multinational corporations participating in the recovery by employing local workers," said committee Chair Fielkow. "It is essential to the economic and social well-being of our city that these workers are similarly able to enjoy the benefits that accompany employment by national and multinational companies."
The committee also received a presentation titled "Industries of the Mind" from Downtown Development District (DDD) President and CEO Kurt Weigle. The presentation is based on a study that examines the issue of attracting and retaining young professionals by capitalizing on New Orleans', and especially downtown's, natural assets.
"The influx of young professionals and social entrepreneurs to New Orleans after the storm has resulted in a "creative class" that has helped stimulate the recovery," said Fielkow. "By implementing the DDD's recommendations, such as investing in public transportation infrastructure and developing parks and other 'greenspace,' state and local governments can make the most of this opportunity to reverse the brain drain that has plagued our city and state for many years and retain these bright young minds."
At the request of the Administration, an agenda item on Fielkow's Ordinance Calendar No. 27,942, which if passed would require City Council approval for all Urban Development Action Grant (UDAG) appropriations, and UDAG funding in general was deferred to a Joint Budget, Audit and Board of Review Committee and Special Development Projects and Economic Development Committee hearing on April 15, 2010 at 10 a.m. in the Council Chamber.
Contact:
Mithun Kamath
Office of Council President Arnie Fielkow
Office: (504) 658-1060
Cell: (504) 710-2147
mbkamath@cityofno.com
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