“She chose to try to have it both ways. In an attempt to appease skeptics of the “living wage” concept, she will exempt employees of businesses that rent space in subsidized buildings. But workers in businesses that receive city subsidies or employees of contractors and subcontractors working on subsidized developments will have to pay the higher wage. ~ The result probably will please nobody and exposes Speaker Quinn as a weak politician who will look to cut deals rather than stand up for principle.”

“The battle to require businesses that receive city subsidies to pay their workers a living wage . . . has ended with a whimper. Council Speaker Christine Quinn has gutted the bill. . . In the time-honored manner of politicians, Ms. Quinn and the proponents of the measure that would have extended a decent wage to retail workers are hailing this travesty as a compromise.”

“Christine Quinn, already facing skepticism over her handling of legislation that would raise wages for some private-sector workers, has decided to add an exemption for one of New York’s biggest pending developments, Hudson Yards (a Related development).  Related . . .  employees have donated $34,200 to Ms. Quinn’s campaign.”

“Quinn described the living wage bill as “the most impactful living-wage law in the United States.” But . . . by her office’s estimate, just 400 to 500 low-wage workers a year will benefit.”