Ironworkers picket at Davenport police station site

By Deirdre Cox Baker QUAD-CITY TIMES | Thursday, May 10, 2007

By Deirdre Cox Baker QUAD-CITY TIMES

Wednesday’s picketing by union ironworkers in downtown Davenport should not affect the construction schedule for the new Davenport Police Department building.

“I see no major imposition on the project at this point in time,” project manager Charlie Heston said.

He said progress on Davenport’s $20.3 million police station at 4th and Harrison streets is ahead of schedule right now.

The International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental & Reinforcing Ironworkers is picketing locations around the Quad-Cities and in Clinton, Iowa, said Mike Wilcher, business manager for Local 111, Rock Island.

The union’s contract with the Quad-City Builders Association ended May 1 and representatives have not been able to reach an agreement since. Wages are the major sticking point, Wilcher said, and the contract involves 200 union members.

Picketing is not a beneficial practice for the industry or for the community, said Steve Tondi, president and chief executive officer of the Quad-City Builders Association, Rock Island. “This will have an effect on construction projects,” he said.

 Deirdre Cox Baker can be contacted at (563) 383-2492 or dbaker@qctimes.com.