Hire local, that was the message as local union workers made their voices heard.
Build Up NYC and nearly 75 union laborers rallied on the steps of Borough Hall Saturday.
The celebration marked two years since major North Shore development projects created hundred of jobs for Staten Island residents.
Many of these projects set precedent for companies to hire locally providing families sustaining wages.
Organizers say the goal of the rally is to urge future developers to uphold this precedent and continue hiring locally.
"We're here, and we are available for work because we live here and if work is going on in our borough, then we should be employed to work here," said union worker Zimzam King.
"We are always leaving the island for work, and now that there is industry and building on Staten Island, I think that the residents should be able to build up their own neighborhoods," said union worker Jessica Twitty.
Councilwoman Debi Rose was also in attendance.