San Diego school board OKs pursuing labor rules for construction work

[Omaha Steve]

http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stories/2009/jan/14/bn14labor004750-labor/

By Helen Gao (Contact) Union-Tribune Staff Writer

12:47 a.m. January 14, 2009

SAN DIEGO — Labor unions scored a big win Tuesday night when the San Diego school board directed district staff to work with them to develop employment rules for contractors hired for projects funded by a $2.1 billion bond measure.

Several hundred construction workers packed the San Diego Unified School District board meeting to speak on both sides of the issue.

The board approved the plan 3-2. Trustees Katherine Nakamura and John de Beck dissented.

De Beck tried unsuccessfully to include a provision in the resolution that the school district staff work with representatives of contractors, in addition to working with unions to develop the agreement.

He said he could not go along with the idea of the district dictating labor terms for contractors who want to work on school projects. He felt they should have the right to determine the terms of employment for their hires.

“I am uncomfortable being the negotiator for employers,” he said.

FULL story at link.