Clergy asks LV builders to respect workers

Some Las Vegas area contractors are forcing their employees to work in the 100-degree plus heat without water or breaks, the Interfaith Council for Worker Justice claims.

The group held a news conference this week to highlight a report on work conditions and to issue a code of ethics it hopes about 30 contractors will adopt.

The Interfaith Council is comprised of ministers and members of 20 religious congregations. Coordinated by the AFL-CIO, the group focuses on labor and workers' rights.

During a six-month investigation into labor practices of Las Vegas-area contractors, members of the Interfaith Council say they found numerous instances of safety violations and poor treatment of workers.

They noted that some of the shortcomings are easily remedied -- things like giving workers rest breaks and providing free drinking water on job sites.

"We were concerned about the moral implications of living in a society that would tolerate these working conditions," said Rev. Ara Guekguezian of Westminster Presbyterian Church.

Council members say workers are fearful to report violations to government agencies out of fear of losing their jobs in retaliation.

But some companies say the charges are overblown.

"They charged we won't allow drinking water, that just on the face of it is ridiculous," said Chad Stewart, owner of Precision Concrete. "We want our guys to be as productive as they can be."

He said one of his workers once protested about having to drink tap water rather than bottled water.

Added Celeste Minnick of MYS Drywall and Acoustics: "I know our company does everything it is supposed to as far as taking care of our workers."

Other conditions noted in the report may not be easily fixed, like providing health care to employees at an affordable price.

Rev. Spencer Barrett of First AME Church said he visited the home of one worker who was grateful to be working simply to get health insurance for his family. Workers reported having to be employed as much as a year before becoming eligible for health coverage, and sometimes then the coverage was too expensive.

"I believe health insurance is a right for all of us," said Father Michael Blackburn of St. James the Apostle Catholic Church.

The code of ethics asks contractors to abide by several tenets: A liveable wage; treat workers with dignity; provide water, breaks and restrooms; don't discriminate and follow all labor laws.

Of the 13 companies addressed in the report, the council says it received responses from none.

Wednesday's announcement was the latest effort by pro-union forces in focusing attention on the construction trades industry in the Valley as the building industry enjoys boom times. The industry accounts for about 10 percent of the region's work force.

Stewart said his workers make more than most workers in the Culinary Union, and questioned the role of the religious group in what he called a political issue.

"These are clergy out doing the work of union organizers," he said.

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