Deval’s Hypocrisy Over Nonunion Labor

Liberal politicians kowtow to unions on the campaign trail… They will pretty much do anything to get their coveted endorsements. Deval Patrick was no different… However, he also has a history of snubbing unions.

For his inauguration, Deval had his inaugural committee stay at the non-unionized Seaport Hotel, and hired nonunion workers to build his $3 million vacation home.

So, why is it, that while Governor Patrick personally enjoys the freedom to choose between union labor and non-union labor, his casino plan specifically blocks nonunion labor from having any part in building casinos.

Nonunion construction workers are opposing Governor Deval Patrick’s casino legislation, arguing that it discriminates against them by encouraging developers to use union workers.

“It’s not a level playing field,” said Ronald N. Cogliano, president of the Merit Construction Alliance, which advocates for nonunion contractors.

“The appearance is that the governor is trying to give a little political payback to his biggest supporters. That’s troubling.”

Cogliano sent a letter yesterday to Patrick and legislative leaders, arguing that the legislation should not discourage casino developers from using nonunion laborers.

If Patrick thinks he is capable of making the decision to use nonunion labor to build his vacation home in order to get better quality work for less money why does he want to deny developers the chance to choose?

Matt Margolis is co-author (with Mark Noonan) of Caucus of Corruption: The Truth About The New Democratic Majority. He also blogs at The Buffalo Bean. Follow Matt on Twitter.