NEWS ARTICLE - February 11, 2010 | |
From the Desk of Dave Danner: Picket Protocol We have been getting calls from members concerning jobsites that are non-union. We are in the midst of a global recession and it is understandable that members would like to see job actions on these sites. In the majority of our jurisdiction these box stores, retail stores and strip malls are private work. Our Signatory Contractors are rarely given the opportunity to bid these projects. Our wage package can’t compete with the non-union contractors that do not even pay a living wage to their workers. The other trades sub-contractors are almost always exclusively non-union for the same reason. For Local 3 to picket these jobs would be ineffectual. No matter how long or often we would hold signs at the gate, the job would proceed with only possible minor inconvenience. No matter how frustrating it is to see the non-union working when we are not, it would not be a responsible expenditure of Local 3’s resources to picket these jobs to no effect. Our market share has been and continues to be primarily prevailing wage projects. As the residential market has flat lined many smaller contractors have entered the public works arena for the first time. Typically they underestimate what they are getting into. Many have recently retreated by their own means, or gone bust. California State Contracting Codes require that the lowest responsible bid be accepted on public works jobs. If the lowest bid is non-union it is very difficult to get the contractor removed. On these projects we can petition for, and be granted, picket sanctions from the appropriate Building Trades Council. We often coordinate with other Unions to target specific projects and combine our resources. Picketing in this manner often has the greatest impact and results. In these unprecedented times, it is more important then ever, that we expend Union resources in a responsible manner. We need to be frugal in our choices and choose our pickets based on the best chances of securing jobs for Local 3 members. Please continue to notify your area Union Representative as to any jobsites that you may have concerns about. But also understand, that if we do not picket that job, it is most likely due to the fact that the desired results are unlikely to be achieved. |
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