Union Workers Gathered Outside Statehouse To Support Common Construction Wage

Staff report -- TheStatehouseFile.com

INDIANAPOLIS – Hundreds of union workers are gathered outside the Statehouse waving signs at passing cars to in advance of a midday rally Monday against a bill to repeal the common construction wage for public projects.

House Bill 1019 would eliminate a system that lets local boards set wages for contractors who work on projects worth more than $350,000. Opponents of the system say that leads to higher wages – often union wages – on projects, which costs taxpayers more money.

Supporters of the common construction wage say it ensures quality workers and helps Indiana families earn higher paychecks.

The Republican-controlled House has already passed the bill and the GOP-majority Senate is expected to vote on it this week, although lawmakers there have already made a few changes. Republican Gov. Mike Pence also supports the legislation.

On Monday afternoon, the Senate could consider more than two dozen amendments to the legislation, including at least one that would send the issue to a study committee for more research.
The Indiana Building Contractors Alliance organized the rally, which is to take place from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on the south lawn of the Statehouse.

But hours earlier, workers already were starting to gather. Many were wearing orange or yellow shirts and carrying handmade signs urging the bill’s defeat.