Rift forms between REBNY and building association over crane licensing rules

There’s now a split between the Real Estate Board of New York and the Building Trades Employers’ Association over their work in trying to change union control of licensing for crane operations, Crain’s reported.

According to a REBNY memo sent to some members yesterday, the organization was “surprised to learn” that BTEA would not show public opposition to efforts made by International Union of Operating Engineers Local 14 and the Building and Construction Trades Council to modify a Department of Buildings crane work licensing proposal.

The DOB proposal, backed by REBNY, makes crane operators who have experience working in other densely populated cities eligible for New York licenses. However, according to Crain’s, the union seeks to define experience as New York City work alone, and the union controls this.

“We supported the changes that were initially developed by the Department of Buildings,” said BTEA President Louis Coletti to Crain’s. “That is the only position we’re taking… The organization has decided it’s up to each of our members what their individual positions are on this issue.” [Crain’s]