NEW ORLEANS, LA — Today, the New Orleans City Council unanimously approved an ordinance authored by Council Vice President Matthew Willard to reform the city’s responsible contracting laws.
The ordinance holds contractors performing public projects accountable to follow federal, state, and local laws. It establishes a fair process to allow the city to disqualify contractors lacking the necessary quality, fitness, and capacity to perform work financed with public dollars. It requires contractors to disclose key information during the bidding process and imposes penalties for violations.
Today’s vote is the next step in an effort led by the AFL-CIO and its member unions since the 2019 collapse of the Hard Rock Hotel to hold city contractors responsible for their work.
“Responsible contracting reform helps level the playing field,” said Council Vice President Matthew Willard. “I am grateful for the excellent working people who help our city function. For their sake, we will no longer allow irresponsible employers receiving public contracts to violate our laws without consequences.”
“As a Councilmember, I was proud to author the original responsible bidders law, and I want to thank Councilmember Willard for picking up the baton and continuing the fight for workers’ rights here in New Orleans,” said Mayor Helena Moreno. “My administration stands ready to work with the Council to help enact this legislation to ensure we increase transparency around the treatment of workers and to hold contractors accountable.”
“We would like to thank Councilmember Willard and all members of City Council for passing this amendment to strengthen the responsible contractor ordinance,” said Clarence “Chip” Fleetwood, Jr., Secretary-Treasurer of the Greater New Orleans AFL-CIO and Business Manager/Secretary Treasurer of International Union of Painters & Allied Trades District Council 10. “This is a win for workers, responsible contractors, and the City of New Orleans. This ordinance brings transparency and accountability to the process, ensures all contractors have a fair playing field, and protects workers from being exploited.”