Picketers prostest SMC's non-union protestors
Myra McGriff
Saint Mary's Editor
Union organizers and workers began picketing Monday morning on Route 31 at Saint Mary's two entrances.
The picket came as a reaction to the start of construction on the new edition to the maintenance building by Majority Building Company.
Saint Mary's contracted Majority Feb. 16th and since the ground breaking last month, union organizers have rallied against Saint Mary's decision to use a non-union contractor.
Standing on picket lines, union workers made it clear what they wanted the movement to bring about.
They wanted the picket to resonate action on behalf of the Saint Mary's community and at large.
Workers like James Carter, a third-year apprentice with South Bend's carpenters union, want people to see that unions are offering workers and businesses something better.
"As far as wages go, the workers of Majority and the college are settling for less," said Carter.
Workers and union organizers alike want Saint Mary's to recognize the picket as a sign of the action that should be initiated. Organizers think that Saint Mary's should choose a new contractor or at least consider choosing a union contractor in the future.
"We would want them to turn the job around, chose a unionized worker but I don't think they will do that. We do want to bring it to the public's attention and give something to think about," said Mike Kruk, union organizer.
Steve Banahaski, a carpenter of 10 years and a union carpenter for five has tasted both worlds. In the five years working as a non-unionized carpenter, Banahaski struggled to find a job and wage security. His only way of securing a livable wage rested in his ability to negotiate.
"You had to negotiate your own wage with your employer with no job security and no benefits," said Banahaski.
The unions are asking for the stability of job, wages and benefits for the workers on sight. However, in the middle of the battle over union and non-union workers stands Majority Building, which partner Rick Slagal, describes as a merit shop.
During 28 years in business, the family-run company has practiced the philosophy of paying workers based on their talent level. Working on such projects as the Center Township Library, Majority sees itself as a supporter of workers rights. Cutting out what they call the "middle man" of union hierarchy, Majority believes it is fair to its employees.
Majority provides its workers with paid vacation, paid personal days and an apprenticeship program. Encouraging workers to use the apprenticeship program through Associated Building Contractors, Majority hopes workers will hone in on their talents.
"Our workers have a seven year retirement package that our workers if they choose to leave can roll over to where ever they go with the interest," said Steve Slagal.
In response to the picketers, the Anti-Sweatshop Task Force committee met with Keith Dennis, Director of finance to clarify the contract Saint Mary's has with Majority and the procedure used to chose the contractor.
Dennis explained the reason for choosing a company like Majority had nothing to do with them being non-union but rather cost and specialty.
"They were in the architectural budget and steel erections is a niche business that is predominately done by non-union contractors."
At least one bidding contractor disputes the fact that Majority's bid was the only bid in range of the budget is debatable. HG Christman, one of the original bidding companies, claims the architectural budget was met in the first round of bids.
On December 20th, Saint Mary's received the bid of four union contractors. After receiving the bids, Christman was told by an unnamed source that it had the job because they were under the half of million-dollar budget. Christman, a contractor that has done work for Saint Mary's in the past, including LeMans Hall and the renovation of Regina Hall, had no reason to think it would not start the job after receiving word.
"We were told we had the job and we were told that we were in less than a half million. We were getting ready to start after Christmas," said Howard Emmons.
Dennis did not disclose the figures of the first or second bid but did say that the first bids were not in the range of the architectural bid.
Along with clarification on the contracting procedure, students wanted some guarantee that Saint Mary's would proceed in securing the wages of workers in the future building projects Saint Mary's has planned.
They want the college to inquire into what contractors are paying their workers. However, Dennis did not say any measure was in the future.
"What they pay their workers is a private issue,"said Dennis.
All News Stories for Tuesday, April 3, 2001
