BILL NUMBER: S2709
SPONSOR: MAY
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the labor law, in relation to providing protections for
telecommunications tower technicians
 
PURPOSE:
This bill requires tower services contracts between private entities and
New York State or any of its agencies to require certified safety train-
ings for tower climbers, as well as share details about the private
entity's contractors and subcontractors.
 
SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:
Section 1 outlines the legislative intent.
Section 2 amends labor law to require tower services contracts between
New York State or any of its agencies and a private company to require
certified safety trainings for tower climbers, as well as share details
about the private entity's contractors and subcontractors, including
identifying business information; confirmation they have the required
certifications; list of job titles, wages, and whether they are directly
employed; and any previous and pending enforcement actions resulting
from violations of state or federal labor law.
Section 3 sets the effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Tower climbing is an essential yet dangerous job. Between 2003 and 2022,
166 workers in the cell tower industry died on the job, but there are
few regulations and safety standards in place.
Additionally, the wireless tower labor market is characterized by a
multi-layered contracting structure lacking transparency that leaves
workers largely removed from the profitable wireless carriers and wire-
less tower owners. This can weaken employer accountability for ensuring
safe conditions, impacting both workers and the public.
Tower climbers' jobs are essential. Not only do they provide essential
work for the cell service New Yorkers rely on every day, but for reli-
able 911 emergency services. Many of these towers are state assets or on
state-owned land, and New York State has the responsibility to ensure
high quality labor standards and protection of publicly owned assets.
Similar legislation and regulations have been passed to increase trans-
parency, including in New York City, Chula Vista, and San Diego.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2023-2024: S.9179 (May) / A.10124 (Levenberg)
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
To be determined
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
Immediately