Union concrete workers are facing taxing new requirements related to the erecting of tower cranes in New York City. The City Department of Buildings issued new provisions obligating crane operators to complete and submit a number of plans, operational procedures, documentation, and reports before they can be approved to use cranes ? steps that go well beyond current City Council Legislation. The Cement League, an association that represents union workers, claims the new regulations will effectively halt the tower crane industry and leave thousands without work. The rules were drafted without industry consultation.
See "Cement League Strenuously Objects to New Requirements of NYC Buildings Department for Crane Notice Applications", Market Watch, September 17, 2008