After several failed efforts going back over a decade the Somerville Board of Alderman adopted a Responsible Employer Ordinance on Thursday June 12th. The REO protects working families and taxpayers from unscrupulous contractors requiring that contractors provide health care and have state certified apprentice programs in order to bid on municipal construction projects. The victory was the result of a tremendous partnership between the GBLC and the Metropolitan Boston Building Trades Council.
 
The REO passed by a seven to three margin. In support were Board of Alderman President Dennis Sullivan and Alderman Rebekah Gewirtz, Maryann Heuston, Sean O’Donovan, Walter Pero, Thomas Taylor and Robert Trane, Opposing the measure were Alderman John Connnolly, Bruce Desmond and William White. President Sullivan and Alderman Gewirtz, Heuston and Trane voted to block an amendment in committee that would have significantly weakened the ordinance.
 
The victory came against strong opposition from the Associated Builders and Contractors [ABC] the statewide anti-union organization, the Somerville Chamber of Commerce and others. ‘This victory shows what we can accomplish when we work together and stay focused. The GBLC was proud to work with Jim Coyle, from the Boston Building Trades Council and the Mass Building Trades President Frank Callahan in winning this important victory’ noted Rich Rogers the GBLC’s Executive Secretary-Treasurer.