NY Auto Technicians Win Economic Justice - UAW

The Facts -

  • Gov. Hochul to sign a law ensuring equal pay for dealership technicians.
  • New law redefines "reasonable compensation" for warranty work at dealerships.
  • This change adds $900 million to NY's taxable wage base, boosting technician earnings.


Governor Hochul Signs New Law Ensuring Equal Pay for Technicians

On September 4, 2024, New York State Governor Hochul signed a.4066B / s.5085C into law. This new law requires Motor Vehicle Dealer Franchisors to fully compensate franchised Motor Vehicle Dealers for warranty service agreements.

Starting today, New York State ensures technicians at dealerships receive equal pay for equal work.

The UAW proudly led the fight for this legislation, supporting skilled and experienced technicians who are the backbone of New York State dealerships.

The new law eliminates the two-tiered compensation system previously allowed by highly profitable vehicle manufacturers. Manufacturers could pay less than fair-market labor time allowances for warranty and recall repairs compared to non-warranty repairs. Previous laws lacked a clear definition of "reasonable compensation."

Now, "reasonable compensation" is defined as the labor time allowances published in retail labor time guides used for non-warranty repairs. Vehicle manufacturers are required to fully fund warranty diagnostic and repairs, enabling dealerships to pay equitable labor time allowances to technicians.

This monumental change adds $900 million to New York’s taxable wage base, increasing weekly earnings for both union and non-union technicians.

New York State, living up to its motto "Excelsior," combats corporate greed and ensures economic justice. Skilled technicians will no longer be underpaid by vehicle manufacturers.

Special recognition goes to Local 259 members Carlos Gonzalez, Daniel Kunz, Paul Scaperotta, Estaban Sanchez, Will Ganshaw, Tim Gray, Bill Glynn, Krystine Ahearne, Saif Ahmed, Roger Sterk, Sebastian Ragonesi, Paul Tubito, and Pat McGrath for their efforts lobbying the Assembly and Senate.

Thanks to the solidarity from Region 9 and especially Locals 686, 774, 897, and 1097. Despite manufacturers' attempts to divide us, our unity prevailed!

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