Connecticut Laborers Want

Quality Construction Task Force

HARTFORD — The Connecticut Laborers’ District Council announced August 6 that the organization is leading a campaign to establish a state “Quality Construction Task Force” that will consist of construction industry leaders from private companies, associations, and unions, as well as community officials. An initial meeting, with members from the Connecticut Construction Industries Association, Connecticut Road Builders Association, Connecticut Laborers’ District Council and several construction contractors, was scheduled this week to discuss the new group’s focus and agenda.

“In light of what recently happened in Minnesota to discoveries found at the University of Connecticut, the Connecticut Laborers’ District Council will be coordinating an effort, along with numerous industry participants, to establish a Connecticut Quality Construction Task Force that will have an overall objective of making important recommendations to the Connecticut General Assembly in early 2008,” explained Charles LeConche, business manager, Connecticut Laborers’ District Council. “I understand our legislators want to prevent future accidents by allocating more taxpayer dollars for the Connecticut Department of Transportation. However, this will not assure that our state bridges, roads, or public buildings will be stronger and safer for all of us.

“There are a host of issues to examine in order to improve the construction process of our public roads and buildings. That is what the task force will examine up close. From outdated laws that force municipalities to accept the lowest bid from unqualified contractors to the Department of Administrative Services’ prequalification screening process to overhauling the inspection process, the task force will offer an independent package of recommendations to the legislature for hopeful adoption,” said LeConche.

The Connecticut Laborers’ District Council represents approximate 6,000 members employed in the construction industry and other building and trade fields throughout the state. The Laborers’ International Union, founded in 1903 largely by immigrant workers, includes more than 800,000 members who work in construction and hazardous materials remediation, as well as in health care, the US Postal Service and other public service sectors of the economy. For more information, call 860-296-8697.