Labor Debate at Contra Costa

The Contra Costa Community College District has angered many unions and labor advocates by announcing plans to reconsider a policy governing the companies hired to work on construction projects, The Contra Costa Times reported. The policy requires local labor to be hired whenever possible, and for prevailing wages to be paid. Critics say that it removes flexibility and denies work to non-union labor, but supporters say that it assures fair treatment for workers and supports the local economy.