Somerville (July 1, 2008) - Construction workers and taxpayers will now be protected in Somerville after the Responsible Employer Ordinance (REO) was signed into law. During a ceremonial signing last night at City Hall, Mayor Joseph Curtatone said, "This ordinance builds upon existing laws to promote workplace safety, fair wages and benefits for workers, and better worker training programs. It's also a prudent investment in assuring the quality of publicly- funded construction projects. I want to thank the Aldermen who supported this measure, as well as the construction professionals who advocated for its passage." Mayor Curtatone was joined by members of the Board of Alderman, the Massachusetts Building Trades Council, Greater Boston Labor Council and the Metropolitan Boston Building Trades Council. The Responsible Employer Ordinance (REO) was approved by the Board of Alderman on June 12, 2008. President and Alderman at Large Dennis Sullivan said, "This is landmark legislation that is going to protect construction workers by providing a level playing field for union and non-union contractors alike."

Alderman, Ward 7, Robert Trane agreed adding, "There is a huge demand for trained people in the trades and it's an opportunity for kids to get into apprenticeships that provide a solid living and the ability to support a family."

The REO protects working families and taxpayers by requiring that contractors comply with state wage and labor laws, maintain workers' compensation coverage, properly classify workers as employees rather than independent contractors, offer health benefits and have state certified apprentice programs, in order to bid on municipal construction projects. The adoption of the ordinance was the result of a partnership between the Greater Boston Labor Council, the Boston Building Trades Council, and the Massachusetts Building Trades Council.

The REO passed by a seven to three margin. Supporting the Ordinance was Board of Aldermen President Dennis Sullivan and Aldermen Rebekah Gewirtz, Mary Ann Heuston, Sean O'Donovan, Walter Pero, Thomas Taylor, and Robert Trane. The REO also won strong support from Mayor Curtatone.

Frank Callahan, President of the Massachusetts Building Trades Council, speaking at the signing said, "We applaud Somerville and 15 other municipalities who have taken a stand to create a level playing field, encouraging responsible contractors to bid on public projects without fear of being undercut by contractors who don't play by the rules. This will give taxpayers added assurance that public projects will be completed professionally, safely, and efficiently. It will also encourage the positive public policy goals of health insurance coverage, retirement plans, and bona fide apprenticeship training programs."

Rich Rogers of the Greater Boston Labor Council said , "We are proud of the partnership between the Greater Boston Labor Council, the Massachusetts Building Trades Council and the Boston Building Trades Council. This is a victory for Somerville taxpayers and responsible contractors and shows what we can accomplish when we work together."

Mary Vogel, Executive Director of the Construction Institute, an alliance between building trades unions and their employers, added, "This REO is simply good public policy - it rewards employers who have dedicated their resources to protect the well-being of their workforce and community, and eliminates unfair advantages gained by rule bending contractors."

For more information contact, Christina Chatalian, Communications Coordinator, The Construction Institute, phone: 617/436-4159, cell:315/558-8419. Pictures of the ceremonial signing and a copy of the ordinance are available for publication.

The Construction Institute (TCI) is a nonprofit organization which serves as the proactive research, communications, and educational resource for the unionized sector of the construction industry in Massachusetts, and for the customers it serves.


Top Row Left to Right: Ed Wright, Ironworkers Local 7; James McCallum, Former Alderman & Retired President of Sheet Metal Workers 17; Alderman Robert Trane, Ward 7; Alderman Bill Roche, Ward 1; Dennis Sullivan, President, Alderman-at-Large; Tony Perrone, Business Agent, Laborers Local 22; Reese Thornton, Member, Painters & Allied Trades District Council 35; Reese Thornton's Son

Botton Row: Left to Right: Rich Rogers, Executive Secretary-Treasurer, Greater Boston Labor Council; Somerville Mayor Joseph Curtatone;Frank Callahan, President of the Massachusetts Building Trades Council


Mayor Signs Ordinance Left to Right: Rich Rogers, Executive Secretary-Treasurer, Greater Boston Labor Council; Somerville Mayor Joseph Curtatone; Frank Callahan, President of the Massachusetts Building Trades Council