DSA Accused of Hypocrisy for Hiring Non-Union Labor for HQ Renovation

The New York City chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) is facing accusations of hypocrisy after it was revealed that the organization did not hire union workers for a $20,000 renovation of its Brooklyn headquarters. The upgrades to the Bedford Avenue space included adding walls, air conditioning units, and a new floor.

A review of city permits indicated that the renovation was carried out by Three and A Half Brothers LLC. The contractor for this company, who established the LLC weeks before the work permits were approved in July, confirmed to The Post that he is not a union member and does not hire union workers.

This decision has drawn sharp criticism from labor leaders. Paul Capurso, the executive secretary treasurer of the NYC District Council of Carpenters, stated, "The DSA has built an entire political brand on standing with workers. Then they got the chance to actually hire union workers—carpenters who live in this city, earn real wages, and have real benefits—and they passed. That tells you everything you need to know about the difference between talking about workers and actually standing with them."

The NYC DSA recently acquired two new office spaces, including the Brooklyn location which costs $7,000 per month, and a $15,000-per-month space in Manhattan. The organization has often publicly supported labor unions and candidates endorsed by labor groups. Notably, the carpenters' union has previously backed DSA candidates, including Diane Moreno, who secured Zohran Mamdani's former state Assembly seat in Queens. Mamdani, who is now a mayor, is a member of the DSA.

Critics point to this instance as a pattern of behavior within the New York City DSA. Previously, NYC DSA co-chair Gustavo Gordillo was reported to have not hired union workers for a $1.4 million renovation of his home. Gordillo, who had also claimed to be a union electrician, was reportedly fired from that role for extended absences and had worked for UPS for only a few months in 2023. His social media presence continued to describe him as a union electrician despite these revelations.

The DSA has not released a statement regarding the contractor choice for the Brooklyn headquarters renovation. The organization has historically positioned itself as a staunch advocate for workers' rights, frequently participating in picket lines and demonstrating support for striking workers, including NYC doormen and porters. Mayor Mamdani himself has publicly stood with workers during potential strike actions.