Community Update: White Plains building addition contractor demonstration

Dr. Joseph L. Ricca, Superintendent of Schools:

This morning, approximately 15 workers from Ironworkers Local 40 set up a picket line outside of the White Plains High School property to protest the use of non-union labor performed by Stronghold Industries, a subcontractor working for general contractor UniMak, on the addition to the high school. Protestors are not blocking any entrances to the school, and all students arrived safely this morning. The White Plains Police Department was notified, has made contact with picketers, and will have extra patrols in the area to monitor the demonstration.

The White Plains City School District selects the lowest responsible bidder for construction projects, and all construction work done in the district is in compliance with Wicks Law, as workers are being paid prevailing wages with separate contracts issued for different scopes of work. There is no requirement for union work to be used on public works per New York State law, and general contractors make the decision to use, or not use, unions for their labor, which may include subcontractors. Before work began, the district met with the local Department of Labor to ensure that proposed work was in accordance with all labor laws.

The project has not been delayed due to the protest, as protestors were not employed by Stronghold, which will continue the work on steel installation. The district is hoping for a quick resolution between UniMak and Ironworker Local 40, recognizing the right of protest while also recognizing the duty to select qualified contractors based on what is most fiscally advantageous for the district and taxpayers.