About 200 carpenters and other tradesmen constructing a New York state-backed solar factory in Buffalo are receiving layoff notices because of an apparent payment issue with the state.
An official with the United Association of Plumbers & Steamfitters Local 22 says his union alone expects about 120 workers to be out of work at the end of their shifts Friday. About 70 members of a carpenters local also are being laid off.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo's administration declined to comment Friday on reports that the layoffs are because the state is three months behind in paying contractors. The state is developing the site for SolarCity.
Sen. Timothy Kennedy says the state assured him Friday morning there would be no layoffs, but that the plumbers' union says they're happening.