The Truth About Project Labor Agreements

How can you tell when a political campaign is falling apart with the knowledge of certain defeat? In the case of the union campaign to prevent voter approval of Proposition G in the City of Chula Vista, union leaders are now so desperate to save their special interest backroom deals (called “Project Labor Agreements”) that they are running commercials on Spanish television broadcasts claiming that Proposition G is the same as the new law enacted in Arizona on April 23 (Senate Bill 1070) regarding the enforcement of federal immigration laws.

Before we examine the union commercial, let’s look at the City of Chula Vista’s official ballot description of Proposition G to confirm that Proposition G is not about the enforcement of federal immigration laws:

The Measure would establish contracting and payment prohibitions in public works (construction) projects by the City of Chula Vista and its redevelopment agency, referred to collectively as the “City”. The proposed measure prohibits the City from funding, in whole or in part, any contract for a public works project that requires hiring through a labor organization (union) for construction workers. These agreements, commonly referred to as “Project Labor Agreements”, require that a contractor enter an agreement with a labor organization that determines the wages, benefits and other terms of employment for the construction workers. Under a Project Labor Agreement, the workers hired through the agreement could include union and non-union workers who are hired through the labor organization that represents the workers. The Measure also prevents the City from signing any agreements directly with labor organizations for public works construction projects. The City is also prohibited from paying funds on behalf of construction workers to any union benefit plan or union trust fund. The Measure prohibits any City agreement that requires workers on a public works project be represented by a labor organization. The City must refrain from encouraging or discouraging workers on a public works project from being represented by a labor organization. While the Measure does not prevent private parties from entering into collective bargaining agreements with labor organizations, it does prohibit the City from imposing a collective bargaining agreement through the way it issues construction bids or signs contracts with public works construction contractors.

Obviously Proposition G is about project labor agreements and has absolutely nothing to do with the enforcement of federal immigration laws. Now, let’s examine the message in the No on G television commercial (translated from Spanish):

The new Arizona law discriminates against Latinos. The police can arrest you simply because you look like you’re from Mexico. Prop G in Chula Vista discriminates here against our community. Prop G will take away jobs from here in our community.

Vote No on G. Defend our Community. No discrimination in Chula Vista. No on G. Do not prohibit jobs in Chula Vista June 8th. Paid for by We won’t pay to give Chula Vista Jobs away – Vote No on G (ID#1322773).

Endorsed by San Diego and Imperial Counties Labor Council AFL-CIO with the majority of the funds provided by the AFL-CIO, Construction Industry Corporation, San Diego and Imperial Counties Labor Council AFL-CIO and San Diego County Construction Industry Council.

Is there any campaign commercial anywhere in the United States (or any other country, for that matter) that so ridiculously tries to connect the Arizona immigration law and an unrelated policy issue that voters will decide for their community? Union leaders in San Diego County must think Latino voters in Chula Vista are complete suckers!

And the commercial proudly announces it is a product of the San Diego and Imperial Counties Labor Council, AFL-CIO: the same people who hosted a rally on January 6, 2010 featuring remarks against workers from Arizona and Mexico! Here’s an excerpt from an article in the January 7 San Diego Union-Tribune describing speeches at the rally (Our emphasis added):

San Diego City Council President Ben Hueso and Chula Vista Councilman Steve Castaneda used the event to gather support for a San Diego proposal to require that the federal stimulus funds filtering into the county be used to hire workers from within the county, preferably from economically distressed neighborhoods.

“We want to make sure that the money is put in the hands of local workers, and not workers from Arizona and Mexico,” said Hueso, referring to how some employers bring in workers from outside the county to avoid hiring from the unionized work force.

So the San Diego and Imperial Counties Labor Council, AFL-CIO rails against people from Arizona and Mexico when it wants to subtly provoke their union members of direct European descent to support “local hire” policies, but then it pretends to be the friend of Latinos when it wants their votes to preserve union monopolies in city construction contracts.

Now, compare the divisive union message to Latinos to the latest positive and unifying Yes on Prop G television commercial to Chula Vista citizens of ALL races, colors, and national origin. It features popular former Chula Vista Mayor and Assemblywoman Shirley Horton urging Chula Vista voters to vote Yes on Prop G for “more good jobs right here in Chula Vista,” to “save tax dollars through open competition,” and to ensure “all local workers – union and non-union – a fair, equal opportunity to compete for city construction jobs.” “I share your hopes for the future of our city and our children,” she says in the commercial.

And also read the Yes on Prop G responses to the relentless lies coming from the unions in their desperate quest to stop voters from prohibiting union monopolies in Chula Vista construction contracts.

Associated Builders and Contractors is the friend of any taxpayer who wants the best quality construction at the best price – always. Whatever land you or your ancestors are from, however you identify yourself (or not identify yourself), if you want YOUR government to spend YOUR tax money appropriately, we urge you to oppose special interest backroom deals such as project labor agreements.

Proposition G allows all qualified citizens to compete for construction jobs in Chula Vista, not just union members.

All voters of Chula Vista: on June 8 vote Yes on Proposition G!

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