Prevailing Wage: Reality v. Ideality

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Photo courtesy of here.

The issue of “prevailing wage” has captured the popular imagination with regards to the business of Cincinnati’s school board.  On one side, some board members say non-union workers are more affordable, making it easier to meet the promise made to taxpayers regarding the number of new or renovated seats in the district.  On the other side, union advocates say non-union workers produce shoddy work that costs more money in the long run.  The ensuing debate then falls into the realm of political ideology, into an “Us v. Them” argument between those who support unions, against those who oppose them.  However, I have just obtained new documents which may help settle this matter of ideality with a health dose of reality.  Check out this file featuring 66 photographs taken inside Rockdale Academy!

This evening, I just got an email from Chris Dole—one time independent candidate for Hamilton County Commission—with whom I had the pleasure to speak at a recent event for Westside Progressives.  Here is the text of the email, along with the email he forwarded to me.  I asked and was told this was all “on the record.”

Jason,

You asked for proof of shoddy non - union workmanship. Here it is. One must pay for quality work. Thanks.

Chris Dole
Local 212 IBEW Ohio Political Coordinator

——-Original Message——-
From: Charlie Kenser
To: [Chris Dole]
Sent: Tue, Oct 13, 2009 11:36 am
Subject: Cincinnati Public Schools & Beacon Electric

Chris, Here are some of the pictures we talked about earlier. The file is over 6MB, so I hope you can open it(you might need WinZip) Let me know.

Charlie Kenser
Membership Development Representative
IBEW – Local 212

I offer the following file just as it was sent to me.  I’m interested what feedback can be offered.  Support?  Refutations?  Additional questions?

I have maintained all along that facts should settle this matter.  One should be able to document whether non-union work costs more than union work long-term.  If union work costs less long-term, then it is more fiscally responsible to go with union workers—despite the fact the concept seems initially counter-intuitive.  Naturally, the opposite can be true, too—which is why I have asked for evidence.

This is the first time someone has sent me anything.