Workers, developers spar at Pittsburgh prevailing wage hearing
Bridget Noel, a custodian at the University of Pittsburgh, cries as she tells a gathering of union members what her life was like when she worked for a low salary and no benefits.
Prevailing wage backers and skeptics held what appears to be a final face-off today as Pittsburgh City Council hosted a public hearing ahead of a likely Wednesday vote on the controversial development rules.
While development professionals pleaded for more time and amendments to legislation that would guarantee market-average earnings to hotel, janitorial, grocery and cafeteria workers at future city-backed developments, workers and union leaders urged a prompt yes vote.
"Last year, prevailing wage passed, and it was vetoed here in this building," said Allegheny County Labor Council President Jack Shea, at a noisy press conference outside of Council Chamber prior to the hearing. "This year, when we pass the prevailing wage, it will prevail."
Dewitt Peart, president of the Pittsburgh Regional Alliance, told council he was "not stating an opposition to what you want to do, it's just how you went about it.
"We feel that the private sector was really not engaged to the extent that it should have to make sure that this legislation is the best that it could be," he said, asking for time to "review the legislation, so we don't have negative impact."
A Building Owners and Managers Association representative also asked for reconsideration, and several Urban Redevelopment Authority staff members asked for changes in the bill that would exclude infrastructure investments and otherwise clear up "ambiguity."
But even though development pros called for the hearing, they were outnumbered 10-to-1 by workers and union leaders with a simple message. "We're not looking to get rich," said Tim Jones, a food service worker at PNC Park. "We're just looking to get by."
Mr. Jones would not be affected by the legislation, but said his struggle to find a decent-paying job demonstrated the need for the legislation.
Council unanimously passed the prevailing wage legislation last year, but Mayor Luke Ravenstahl vetoed it on New Year's Eve and council was unable to override it in the year's waning hours. The same legislation now counts all nine council members as sponsors, but Mr. Ravenstahl has introduced a competing bill and Councilman Ricky Burgess has introduced a broader, living wage bill.
Council President Darlene Harris said that she's aiming for a tentative vote Wednesday and a final vote Feb. 2.
"As [workers] told you, no one is getting rich off of these wages," Ms. Harris said. "But they are able to support families and contribute to a better Pittsburgh ... I look forward to passing prevailing wage a second time."
Mr. Ravenstahl's bill, which critics say would cover far fewer workers, also could have a tentative vote Wednesday. Mr. Burgess's living wage bill has a tentative vote set for Feb. 17 with a hearing to be scheduled before then.