Thread: Levy gets Fight over Illegal Workers

Levy gets fight over workers
Union says proposal to require businesses to vouch for legal status of employees takes stance too far
BY BART JONES
Newsday Staff Writer

August 8, 2006


A labor union that was one of Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy's largest campaign contributors yesterday denounced as "discriminatory" his proposed law involving contractors and undocumented immigrants.

The organization, 1199SEIU United Health Care Workers East, said through a spokeswoman that Levy has gone too far in his campaign on illegal immigration.

The proposed law would require town governments, businesses, social-service agencies and other groups with contracts from Suffolk County to file a sworn affidavit annually vouching that their employees are legally in the United States.

Filing a false affidavit could lead to fines of up to $2,000 per worker for every day they remained on the payroll, or up to six months in jail.

The union, which represents 280,000 health care workers, is due to testify against the proposal today in the Suffolk Legislature.

"I think it's discrimination," said Lauren Corcoran, a union spokeswoman, which generally enjoys good relations with Levy. "The fact Levy and his administration keep targeting immigrants is sad to us ... This piece of legislation made us feel like he's gone too far."

Defending the proposal, Levy expressed surprise at Corcoran's statements. "I don't understand how anyone can be supportive of companies bidding for county work and using illegal workers," he said. "Most unions I talk to are concerned that their membership is being undercut by the illegal underground economy."

Corcoran said she does not support companies hiring undocumented immigrants, but said few people have indicated this is an actual problem among companies that seek county contracts.

She said the legislation would hurt all immigrants, including the union's members, by making employers reluctant to hire them in anticipation of added red tape or fears about problems with the government.

Levy has said repeatedly he is tackling the issue because the federal government has failed to enforce a 20-year-old law that requires businesses to vouch that their employees entered the country legally. Fourteen of 18 county legislators told Newsday they support the bill.

Other Levy initiatives on the subject have included an idea he floated to "deputize" Suffolk police as immigration agents and his having helped lead a crackdown on illegally overcrowded housing.

Corcoran said she believes Levy should leave federal law enforcement to the federal government. "When people elected Steve Levy they elect him to do the job of county government," she said. "They don't necessarily elect him to do defense contracts in Iraq."

The union donated about $52,000 to Levy's 2003 campaign. About 20,000 of its members live on Long Island.


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She said the legislation would hurt all immigrants, including the union's members, by making employers reluctant to hire them in anticipation of added red tape or fears about problems with the government.

If the union is taking in memebers that they know are illegal and helping them to get employment they aiding and abetting. I guess with membership off they are looking for money through dues from anywhere.