Schools

Affton School Board Approves Union-Oriented Project Labor Agreement

The language of the agreement has yet to be finalized.

After a contentious public hearing, the Affton School District has approved a project labor agreement for the construction of its planned early childhood education center.

Project labor agreements (PLAs) are typically used by governmental organizations to ensure that construction jobs are completed properly and without delays by requiring that all contractor employees comply with the terms of the union-only agreement.

to weigh in on the PLA. Opponents argued that contractors shouldn’t be excluded from bidding because they don’t pay dues to a labor union. Supporters said that PLAs help to ensure that large projects like the ECE are completed on time and within budget.

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Earlier this month the district approved a PLA requirement for bids on the estimated of an industrial building at 9832 Reavis Rd. The 20,000-square-foot structure will be transformed into the Affton Early Childhood Education Center and feature seven classrooms, a project room, a nurse’s office, a lending library, a stage and a small outside garden.

The agreement was approved by the school board 5-2. Board members Susan Casaleggi and Patricia Zahn voted against the measure.

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“We want to have quality craftsmanship and we don’t want any delays,” said Affton Superintendent Steve Brotherton, stressing that the district is working on a fairly tight six month construction schedule to open the school next fall.

District Business Director John Brazeal said that the agreement doesn’t prevent non-union contractors from bidding on the ECE project.

“It’s just making certain requirements, which really come down to training,” Brazeal said.

The specific language of the PLA has not yet been set, but will be soon so that the district can officially put out its call for bids on the ECE project.


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