ISSUE | LABOR DEAL - LETTERS - Sept. 1: Center agreement best for city, workers

The Inquirer rightly noted the major gains already realized at the Convention Center as a result of the seamless four-union workforce and new customer-friendly work rules ("Union rules needed," Aug. 24). Unfortunately, the carpenters' union has mounted a propaganda campaign, falsely claiming its members are victims of a lockout. Center management, SMG, and all six center unions spent months hammering out a new Customer Satisfaction Agreement that gave exhibitors more leeway in setting up booths. It also gave us a 10-year contract extension with 3 percent annual increases in wages and benefits. Our four unions understood that the relatively minor concessions would make the center more competitive. The carpenters (and Teamsters, who weren't required to make concessions) refused to sign the agreement in time. In fact, the carpenters' Ed Coryell said at the May 6 Convention Center board meeting that he'd "never" sign. It wasn't our desire to move forward without two unions, but we signed because it was the right thing to do not only for the city and state, but for every chambermaid, bartender, waiter, busboy, and front-desk clerk whose livelihood depends on a robust Convention Center.

|Michael Barnes, business manager, Stagehands Local 8; Samuel Staten Jr., business manager, Laborers Local 332; John J. Dougherty, business manager, IBEW Local 98; and Sam Malone, business manager, Ironworkers Local 405

Source: Philly.com