October 8, 1999

Statement by LIUNA General President Arthur A. Coia
on Senate Vote to Defeat Amendment to Repeal
Davis-Bacon in Federal Hurricane Relief Programs

Washington, D.C. -- "I applaud the Senate on its vote to defeat Senator Smith's Amendment to suspend Davis-Bacon for federal construction in disaster areas, such as those hit by Hurricane Floyd.

"It's tragically true that Hurricane Floyd devastated the lives of thousands across the Southeast. Unfortunately, Senator Smith wanted to respond to this tragedy by devastating the rights and wages of workers. His ploy would have done nothing to help the communities these families live and work in.

"Davis-Bacon guarantees that contracts will be bidded fairly -- based on skill, safety and efficiency rather than the lowest wage. Defeat of this amendment will ensure that federal contracts go to local contractors, jobs will go to the local workforce, and that homes and roads will be rebuilt by the most skilled and best trained workers.

"The better response, by far, when tragedy strikes is to help those communities help themselves. The Senate saw the wisdom of this and voted down this amendment."

Founded in 1903, LIUNA represents some 800,000 workers in construction, environmental remediation, maintenance, food service, health care, clerical, and other occupations. The Union also has members in state, local, and municipal government, and postal service