Welcome to the Business Journal Archives
Search for articles below, or continue to the all new BusinessJournalDaily.com now.
Search
Bricklayers Picket New Tractor Supply Project
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – The sight of an inflatable giant rat is a sure sign that local trades unions are unhappy about how a new commercial construction project is being handled.
The prop was visible last week along Mahoning Avenue in Austintown as two members of Local 8 of the International Union of Bricklayers and Craftworkers picketed in front of the work site where a Tractor Supply Co. store is under construction.
Terry Hoid and Don Shina picketed there most of the day Friday to protest the project's use of out-of-town nonunion contractors and tradesmen to build the $1.1 million retail store. They deferred all questions to Terre Riggle, Local 8 field representative.
"It's a shame that a large corporation like this disregards the area and brings in who they want," said Riggle, interviewed by phone. "We want local jobs for local people."
Tractor Supply Co., based in Brentwood, Tenn., describes itself as the largest farm and ranch retailer in the United States. The company reports annual revenues of $4 billion, employs more than 17,000 and operates 1,150 stores in 45 states, including outlets in Warren and Hermitage, Pa.
Riggle said Tractor Supply has hired a general contractor from Nashville, Tenn., which has in turn hired tradesmen from that region to perform the brick and block work at the site.
"They started work on Nov. 20 and we started picketing the 21st," Riggle said.
The field rep believes commercial projects should be reserved for local contractors and tradesmen who are paid wages comparable to union labor.
"I have no problem that they're not union. Just as long as they're local and are paid what we're paid," he explained. "We put our money back into the community. We pay mortgages. We support local businesses and charities. They're taking the money and going home."
About 14 bricklayers have been on site since work began, none of whom are local, according to Riggle. “They’re coming in and working for substandard wages,” he said, “which in turn lowers my standard of living."
The contractor, W.R. Newman of Nashville, hired another Tennessee company, Mark 1 Inc., to perform masonry work at the site, Riggle reported.
Tractor Supply spokesman Rob Hoskins responded in an email that the project is not owned by the company, and the general contractor was hired by the property owner.
"Tractor Supply is not involved in the selection of contractors for this building," Hoskins said, noting that the company was informed that the general contractor sought bids for each aspect of the work and selected the lowest bidder.
The construction project is valued at $1.1 million, according to the Austintown Zoning Department.
Riggle said the building's owner plans to use more out-of-town subcontractors as work progresses on the 20,000-square-foot building.
"Ironworkers, cement workers and I believe carpenters are also probably coming in from out of town," he said. However, Riggle added, the electrical and plumbing contractors are both union and local.
2012 is proving to be a banner year for his local, Riggle said, citing the strong presence of the Western Reserve Building & Construction Trades Council in this region.
Large-scale projects such as V&M Star's $650 million expansion in Youngstown, plus an assortment of steady projects has kept all of his members working, Riggle said.
"We’ve had an exceptional year," he stated. "Next year also looks strong so far."
Copyright 2012 The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.
CLICK HERE to subscribe to our twice-monthly print edition.