Union bullying is the wrong way to influence an election.
We take issue with the position of “hire local bricklayers or else.”
We are in agreement that local building projects should go to local workers. It’s the “or else” insinuation that gives us such a slimy feeling.
On Tuesday, Madison Local School District voters will decide whether to support a $35 million bond issue for a desperately needed new junior high school. The old building is 86 years old, filled with asbestos issues and generates ridiculous energy bills and maintenance costs.
But last week, unionized bricklayers said skilled tradesmen and their voting-age relatives living in Madison Township would have second thoughts about supporting the bond unless the district entered into a project labor agreement with the union.
The bond issue failed in May by 42 votes, and this will be the last chance the district has to pass the issue and capitalize on millions coming from the state.
An organized effort by the union to defeat the bond is a very real possibility.
Madison school officials should recognize their role as well.
Board President Jeff Meyers said the district won’t commit to the agreement before the election.
Meyers hasn’t even entertained the idea, and that’s what got the bricklayers so steamed.
It would make sense to at least open a dialogue when the margin of victory or loss is so close.
“Our goal is to get the best deal for Madison, and we don’t want to limit ourselves to any one group,” Meyers said. “What if a local company bids three times higher than one 40 miles away?
Lowest price and best quality are what will be taken into account.”
We agree, and we urge the district to be frugal with taxpayer dollars. But the district should not look just at the bottom line. There’s a strong argument for hiring local labor.
Union members know that just as well as school district officials do. But to hold an election hostage over this issue is wrong.
The future of our children, and providing a quality education in a safe learning environment, is a much bigger issue than a squabble over local union contracts.
We urge both parties to see the value of working together to benefit our children and our local workers.
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