NFIB

NFIB/Rhode Island opposed legislation (H-6182) that proposed to establish requirements for contractor bidding on public works contracts. Included would be a requirement that contractors and all subcontractors maintain at least one apprenticeship in active participation in a bona fide apprenticeship training program approved by the labor-dominated Apprenticeship Council of the Department of Labor and Training and must abide by the apprenticeship to journeyperson ratio for each trade, i.e. electricians, plumbers, etc.

Together with other trade associations, we strongly and successfully opposed this bill in its present form because the prevailing wage in Rhode Island starts at a ridiculous $1000 for all public proposals and because:

• All trades would be required to have apprenticeship ratios including roofers, painters, carpenters, plasterers, bricklayers, boilermakers, etc. These trades do not require licenses and would be subject to the worst possible ratio of up to 1-5. This would mean you would have to have five journeymen for every apprentice. 
• Only unions have apprenticeship programs for most trades. Small businesses, minority contractors and women-owned firms cannot afford to start apprenticeship programs to meet these requirements.
• Merit shops (non unions) currently sponsor apprenticeship programs for licensed trades only. 
• The trades that require licensing and apprentices are basically limited to the apprenticeship ratio being enforced for training and working on state and federal jobs.
• Merit shops support a 1-1 ratio for all trades; but labor would prefer a 1-5 ratio. A 1-5 ratio creates serious labor shortages for licensed trades, generally driving up the cost to all consumers, you the taxpayer, and causing delays in getting jobs done.
• Would apply to all residential work.
• A 1-5 ratio is discriminating to high school and trade school graduates and others who enter the trades. 1-1 is the ratio in 26 states and the Canadian provinces.
• The State Apprenticeship Council is made up of seven labor representatives and one -- yes only one -- business representative.

The State Apprenticeship Council, strongly labor controlled, is now moving forward with proposed apprenticeship changes that would apply to all unlicensed trades. This issue needs your interest and concern and could end up in Court. A public hearing should be held after the proposed amendments are drafted and filed with the Secretary of State's Office. Please notify us at 421-8676 if you are interested in receiving additional information on this issue, and if you would be interested in testifying at any public hearing.