Posted at 12:32 p.m., Friday, March 9, 2007
Abercrombie, Hirono back pro-union legislation
Associated Press
WASHINGTON — Union construction workers would gain a hiring advantage for more projects under legislation the House passed Friday, the latest in a series of pro-labor measures by Democrats that President Bush has promised to veto.The 303-108 vote involves water projects funded by federal lending. Republicans tried but failed to strip out a provision requiring contractors to pay wages equal to those prevailing locally.
The White House said advisers would recommend Bush veto the bill if it retained the Davis-Bacon Act provisions on paying prevailing wages on public works projects. The requirement typically gives an advantage to unionized companies bidding for federal contracts.
Hawai'i's two representatives, Neil Abercrombie and Mazie Hirono, both voted in favor of the legislation.
