Ministers call for improved construction site conditions

The Las Vegas Interfaith Council for Worker Justice has published a fact-finding report and a "Code of Ethics" for contractors. The group sent the book to 30 construction companies for their signature and adoption.

The handbook asks contractors to abide by ethical obligations by paying a living wage, providing affordable health insurance, supplying water and restroom facilities on all job sites and treating workers fairly.

The ministers say they were surprised and alarmed by repeated stories of unethical conduct such as no water on the job, no breaks or lunch periods, no overtime pay and hazardous conditions.

"The construction industry is our second largest employer - nearly 65,000 people are employed," the Rev. Ara Guekguezian of Westminster Presbyterian Church said Wednesday. "It is a simple matter of justice, one that our whole community can get behind, that the industry be governed by ethical standards."

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