Union questions BSC contractors

Union members have come to Buffalo State twice this semester to protest what they say is unfair labor practices on the part of contractors hired by the college.

The Northeast Regional Council of Carpenters has been engaged in a campaign across Western New York to protest against certain construction companies that are non-union and do not pay area-standard wages to their employees.

Protesters stood outside Rockwell Hall on Elmwood Avenue, holding a large banner reading "Shame on Buffalo State."

The protests targeted two construction companies doing work for the college: Gypsum Systems Inc, which was hired for the ongoing major renovations of Rockwell Hall, and Melco Inc, which was responsible for repairs on several buildings around campus.

These companies do not pay fair rates for all of their workers, said Daryl Bodewes, council representative for the Northeast Regional Council of Carpenters.

"Our protest is wherever Melco goes or Gypsym Systems goes, we go," he said.

Despite the accusations, both Gypsum Systems and Melco are required by law to pay state-standard wages as determined by the Department of Labor to their workers for projects Buffalo State, said Steve Shaffer, manager for design and construction at the college.

"The specific allegations of the union I really can't respond to, because we've seen nothing on it," Shaffer said.

All construction companies working on campus or for any public institution need to submit certified payrolls to demonstrate that they are paying a legal wage.

"I think it's unfortunate that they hold the protest on Buffalo State College property," said Lisa Krieger, assistant vice president of Finance and Management at the college. "It gives the impression that the college is not doing its due diligence when it comes to construction, which we definitely are."

Bodewes said the fact that these companies must pay fair wages for projects on campus does not excuse the college for hiring contractors who pay sub-standard wages for other jobs.

"Even though they're doing that rate on that project, they're not paying that rate on all their projects," he said.

Contractors for all campus construction projects are chosen through a competitive bidding process. Information on the project is sent out across the state, and the college will hire the company that is qualified for the job and can offer the lowest price.

The union's protests of Buffalo State are misleading, Shaffer said.

"I find it very disturbing and underhanded," he said.

The college has made other efforts to reach out to unions, including working out an agreement to build the new $3.8 million technology building entirely with union labor.

Bodewes said the union has no immediate plans to return to the college for further protests.

Jacob Tierney can be reached by email at tierney.record@live.com.