Sunday, May 17, 2009

Mayor on Verge of Denying Local Jobs for Local Workers

Louisville Mayor Jerry Abramson will reportedly decide this week on the fate of the labor ordinance that would guarantee more local jobs for local workers on major, government-financed construction projects. The ordinance was passed in the middle of the night Thursday by the Metro Council, after several hours of fighting over the definition of "small business".

As expected, the ordinance is being opposed by the chamber of commerce and some small business organizations.

The Courier Journal's story lists highlights of the ordinance as follows:
•Payment of prevailing wage on all aspects of projects that meet the $500,000 threshold. Prevailing wage is defined by state statutes as the “predominant” wage paid to trades in a locality, in this case Jefferson County. It is calculated by taking the average of wages paid on all public projects, similar private projects and union wages.

•A goal that at least 75 percent of the project’s jobs be given to residents of counties within the five-county Louisville Metropolitan Statistical Area.

•A goal of at least 20 percent minority participation, including workers and certified minority-owned businesses.

•A goal of at least 5 percent female participation, including workers and certified women-owned businesses.

The fact that the mayor has to "think about" signing the ordinance only speaks to what side he really represents. It sure as hell isn't the people who carry their lunch to work everyday. This ordinance is not about union versus non-union workers. It is about employing Louisville residents to work on projects the government helps pay for. Why bring in out-of-town workers when we are experiencing 10% unemployment? Call Jerry and ask him. Then tell him to sign the ordinance.


  1. Amen. Who could posssibly be opposed to paying LOCAL workers a good wage?

  2. The Local business community to that last question