Re: Unions

"Ed" <> wrote in message
news:
>A church wanted to build a new complex putting the rectory and the church
>in the same town. The Archdiocese of Boston requires union contractors to
>do such work. The cost estimates came in at $5.5 million and parishoners
>were disappointed. In what was defined as a rare exception, the Archdiocese
>of Boston granted permission to use non-union contractors. The new cost for
>the project, $1.6 million. Savings, $3.9 million.

Might be apples to oranges in quality, however.

The city of Madison, WI opted for non-union contractors to build a new
school...and had to gut it within 2 years because of mold, as the builder
subcontracting out to the low bidder who didn't account for mold.

A labor union here in Wisconsin is running ads reminding people that
electricians are not subject to state licensing...so any builder could
contract out electrical work to anyone he/she sees fit.

Still...that difference is staggering...I would have hoped the Archdiocese
went back to the Union and let them counter offer.

D

Re: Unions

"Dave Hannes" <> wrote

>>A church wanted to build a new complex putting the rectory and the church
>>in the same town. The Archdiocese of Boston requires union contractors to
>>do such work. The cost estimates came in at $5.5 million and parishoners
>>were disappointed. In what was defined as a rare exception, the
>>Archdiocese of Boston granted permission to use non-union contractors. The
>>new cost for the project, $1.6 million. Savings, $3.9 million.
>
> Might be apples to oranges in quality, however.

That's what a union guy would say. Just read up on Boston's Big Dig, union
quality.

> The city of Madison, WI opted for non-union contractors to build a new
> school...and had to gut it within 2 years because of mold, as the builder
> subcontracting out to the low bidder who didn't account for mold.
>
> A labor union here in Wisconsin is running ads reminding people that
> electricians are not subject to state licensing...so any builder could
> contract out electrical work to anyone he/she sees fit.

They are here. Apprentice then journyman them master. Same for plumbers.

> Still...that difference is staggering...I would have hoped the Archdiocese
> went back to the Union and let them counter offer.

That's what a union guy would say. If I got a price spread like that I
wouldn't want to talk to the union guys ever again.