Right off the bat, I have a problem with this opinion.
First, the title:
Apprenticeship programs are good for Irondequoit.....
......IF you belong to the Union. It certainly isn't good for Mike Caccamise, who has owned his Irondequoit business, M.L. Electric Corp., for over 30 years.
Mr. Caccamise can't offer an apprenticeship program through his business because NYS doesn't offer one for his line of work. His only choices, if this law is approved, would be to either join the Union, or not bid on any more public works projects in Irondequoit.
Next:
"Adding an apprenticeship requirement can actually save the town money and increase diversity in the workforce..."
Really? If that were true, then the Union Contractors would always be the lowest bidder on public works projects-because they already have an apprenticeship program in place, right? There would be no need to amend the Town Law to force contractors into either joining the union, or sponsor a mandated apprenticeship program.....or force M.L. Electric Corp. out of being able to bid on public works projects in town because NYS doesn't offer one for his line of work.
Contractors already have the option to have an Apprenticeship Program without a mandated or required law.
How will mandating a law for apprenticeship programs change that and make contractor bids lower?
I'd like to see some specifics on that. How will it lower the costs and create MORE diversity by excluding certain contractors from bidding on public works projects?
Next:
"This is a winning situation for everyone but the few contractors that can’t be bothered with training the next generation of Irondequoit residents."
That, right there, is the most insulting thing I have read.
Is this gentleman actually implying that contractors like M.L. Caccamise "can't be bothered with training the next generation of Irondequoit residents."?!?!
There are contractors out there who would like to offer an apprenticeship program - but are not able to because NYS doesn't offer one for their line of work!
THAT is discrimination!
It absolutely supports Unions, the big chunk of voters every politician wants to court before any election!!!!
Mandating this requirement by amending Town Law will not only hurt small businesses, and help the big unions-but it will pretty much guarantee that the majority of bids will be from only union contractors!
It discriminates against small contractor businesses owned by minorities and women, and against longtime "niche" businesses like M.L. Caccamise Electric Corp.
It WILL drive up the costs of Public Works projects. The contractors that don't offer it now, but will have to offer it to be able to bid on public works projects, will pass on that extra expense through their bids and onto the taxpayer.
Having an apprentice program in place does not guarantee that apprentices will be on the job site, and it does not guarantee that their workers are more trained than a contractor who has no apprenticeship program in place.
This law guarantees nothing other than the bulk of public works projects will more than likely go to union contractors.
It is NOT good "For Irondequoit", at all!
It should also be noted, at the end of the article, that not only is Clarke Conde the director of the RBCTC, which represents about 18 trade unions......John Perticone sits on the Board and is the Vice President.
The Labor News link.
