TZ builder, labor union still locked in pay dispute

[Omaha Steve]

X post in Labor

http://www.lohud.com/story/news/local/tappan-zee-bridge/2014/12/05/tz-builder-labor-union-still-locked-pay-dispute/19967219/

Theresa Juva-Brown, [e-mail] 5:08 p.m. EST December 5, 2014


Tappan Zee Constructors recently stripped a mold to reveal the new bridge’s first concrete column.
(Photo: New York state Thruway Authority)


The case also raises questions about whether TZC or the state Thruway Authority, which owns the current and future Tappan Zee, would be responsible for unexpected, additional labor costs on the $3.9 billion replacement project.

The fight's history

The Journal News first reported in September that the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America and its two affiliates, Dockbuilders Local 1556 and Carpenters Local 279, are battling TZC over which trade is assigned some 400,000 hours of construction above the pile caps, including the formwork, or molds, for the new bridge's columns.

In court papers, the unions argued that the dockbuilders, who earn an hourly benefit and wage rate of $92.47, are entitled to the work. TZC said that because the dockbuilders don't have enough workers for the job, the carpenters would ultimately perform the tasks and should be paid the carpenters' wage and benefit rate.

TZC accused the union of concocting "a backroom deal" between trades. It claimed the carpenters agreed to give the job to the dockbuilders in order to squeeze an additional $7.3 million out of the project for union members.

FULL story at link.