GMCS
Editorial: While it is easy to focus on
the negative here, that is that a job action has taken place, we should give
credit to all of those in labor and management that have recognized the
importance and significance of the Pennsylvania Convention Center to the region
and have committed their time and expertise to this process.
Worth
noting here is that some labor leaders in the region have continued to support
the Pennsylvania Convention Center and have committed their members to working
through this process, without disruption to the center and its valued
guests. As these articles state, “Other
unions representing workers at the center have continued extending their
agreements as talks continued. “ This is
a very positive indication sign of good faith by labor and it is my hope that
it continues.
Best
wishes to both labor and management on working together, through and past this
disagreement and towards a mutually acceptable agreement that benefits the
Pennsylvania Convention Center’s guests, our region and its committed labor
workforce.
For the second time in a year and right in the middle of the
American Academy of Neurology Annual Meeting, being held April 25-May 3 at the
Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia, the Carpenters’ union that
works at the facility went on strike.
Talks had been ongoing between the Pennsylvania Convention
Center Authority and Local 8 of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and
Joiners of America, but ultimately broke down today.
“Over the course of months of discussions, the center and
our management team at SMG have provided ample evidence to union leadership
that work rule changes in Chicago and other venues have benefitted unions by
attracting more business and customers, resulting in more work hours for union
members,” said Gregory J. Fox, chairman of the Board of Directors of PCCA.
He added, “It is important for everyone to look to the
future and move past the current policies that have hindered the Center’s
growth and success. I am concerned that
the Carpenters are hurting their own membership and tens of thousands of hospitality
jobs in the region that rely on the major shows and events hosted by the
Center.”
On Local 8’s Web site there was the following message
posted: “Please be advised that, effective midnight May 1 the MRC is ON STRIKE
against the Construction Contractors Council, AGC Labor Division (“DC
Contractors”).This Action is necessary because the CCC demanded a $13.00 per
hour decrease in your compensation package, among other things designed to
erode your quality of life.”
According to PCCA officials, the Carpenters “are unwilling
to agree to work rule changes that would provide exhibitors with greater
flexibility to build their booths and displays as they can in comparable, peer
facilities in other cities.”
The PCC currently is hosting the American Academy of
Neurology, which has 13,000 attendees, and is expected to generate a $35
million economic impact for the region. Center officials have met with AAN
officials on a daily basis to keep them informed on the status of labor
discussions and potential impacts on their event.
Other events that could be impacted during the next week
include the Broad Street Run, Konami, the American Cancer Society and
Commonwealth Connections.
SMG, which took over management of the center Dec. 1, along
with PCCA officials, have been in talks with all six unions operating in the
center to come up with new work rules that are better for customers.
Trade unions operating at the Convention Center include the
Carpenters Local 8; Laborers’ International Local 332; Stagehands Local 8; IBEW
Local 98; Teamsters Local 107; and Iron Workers Local 405.
The Carpenters have been operating under a collective
bargaining agreement with the center’s former manager of labor services,
Elliott Lewis Convention Services, LLC.
An extension of that agreement expired April 30. In addition to new collective bargaining
agreements, the PCCA is seeking a new Customer Service Agreement with all six
unions.
“Last year, the
center hosted shows and events that generated a $729 million economic impact
for the region and helped to support 90,000 jobs in the hospitality and tourism
industry,” said Lorenz Hassenstein, general manager of the Center for SMG.
He added, “These work rule changes are imperative for the
long-term success of the Center, one of the region and state’s leading economic
generators. They will benefit the entire region, just as they will benefit
members of the Carpenters union.”
Chicago went through similar issues a few years ago in which
some shows left and others threatened to, citing high labor costs, until the
issues were resolved and business has returned.
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