Building trades council members protest CVPH project

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January 18, 2012

DAN HEATH Press-Republican The Press Republican Wed Jan 18, 2012, 04:36 PM EST

PLATTSBURGH — Members of the local building trades union protested another construction project Wednesday.

The demonstration on Cornelia Street, near the southern entrance to CVPH Medical Center, was organized by the Plattsburgh-Saranac Lake Building and Construction Trades Council because work on the expansion of the hospital's emergency care center is being done by the South Burlington-based PC Construction.

Council President John Donoghue said it's not a union/non-union issue but a push to give local jobs to local workers.

"I don't understand why a New York hospital has to hire a contractor from Vermont, when a New York contractor could do the job," he said.

Donoghue said if the work went to a local firm, the money that is earned would circulate through the community rather than be spent in Vermont.

CVPH spokesman Mike Hildebran said the hospital awards bids to the lowest qualified local bidder and always gives a preference to local bidders.

"Our definition of local is northeast New York and adjacent areas of Vermont," he said. "We're always looking for the lowest qualified bidder in order to conserve our resources."

Donoghue said they held the protest around lunchtime in order to maximize their visibility. He said numerous motorists honked their horns as they passed to show support.

It is the second demonstration in less than a month with workers with signs and a large inflatable rat. Dec. 21, they protested in front of a construction project at Plattsburgh State.

Donoghue said it won't be the union's last showing of support for local workers.

"We're going to keep doing it until people pay attention."

Email Dan Heath at:

dheath@pressrepublican.com