Dear Council Members,
I have been following the Civic Center PLA discussions from the sidelines. I am not a contractor and I am not a member of a labor organization. I am simply a concerned taxpayer and Brentwood citizen. I would like to express several of my concerns as you make your decision on the labor agreement.
Independence of Scarth-Lyons:
I question the value of the PLA study and the negotiations conducted by this firm. Is this Scarth Lyons giving Brentwood an independent analysis and truly negotiated labor agreement? It seemed to me that the PLA study lacked specifics and was a canned response supporting a pro-union position without a fair consideration for Brentwood’s actual needs. I fear the same thing will happen with the actual PLA agreement. Is Brentwood going to fight for a PLA that accomplishes the objectives that the council has established, or will we simply take the standard issue PLA agreement that promotes labor interest over Brentwood’s interests? I believe it is up to the council to ensure that if a PLA agreement is enacted, there is language that guarantees the councils objectives will be met. If the PLA is about local hiring, then the local hire clause in the agreement needs to be specific and strongly worded so we are assured that Brentwood workers and Brentwood companies are used on the project. So far, my observation is that Scarth-Lyons is not giving us independent representation.
Competitive Bidding:
One of the objectives of the PLA is competitive bidding. Based on what I am hearing from merit-shop companies, if the PLA is enacted they will not bid on our project. To me, the fact that a PLA will discourage these companies from submitting a bid decreases competition in the bidding and will have the exact opposite effect of your stated objective. The PLA needs to negotiated so that qualified merit-shop companies can submit a bid without forcing workers to join a union or make additional contributions to union pension and benefits programs. We live in a free country. A worker has a right to seek employment wherever he can obtain the most reward for his efforts. If a qualified merit shop company is not providing suitable benefits, those workers can work elsewhere or unionize. If a qualified merit shop is taking care of its employees, they should be able to bid a job without joining the union and without making additional contributions to union benefits programs. If you want competitive bidding then forge a PLA that allows merit shops and union shops to bid the job on equal footing.
I understand that this issue is politically charged. Unions are powerful entities that use their muscle and clout to obtain their objectives. As a citizen, it is intimidating to speak out against organized labor. I am sure that as council members you no doubt feel the pressures that organized labor can exert. I urge you not to be swayed by this and to take a close look at what would be best for Brentwood. If you feel that we have to enact a PLA, at least make sure it will accomplish the objectives you set out to achieve. Scarth-Lyons is not an uninterested party and you need to fight for a PLA that serves Brentwood’s needs.
Thank you for your time and consideration, and for your service on the council.
Best regards,
-Ed
