May 24, 2004

Readers' forum Charleston Gazette

Comments about workers wrong

Editor:

In defending “poor old Bob Graham,” the Wyoming County senior director who needs to be fired, not protected, anti-worker attorney Fred Holroyd is almost comical (Readers’ Forum, May 6).

But it is difficult to laugh when, in his lame attempt to deflect criticism from Graham, he attacks the hardworking men and women of West Virginia’s construction industry.

Holroyd’s use of bogus numbers leads him to false conclusions about union construction workers. But I doubt he will let the facts get in the way of the story he wants to tell, because Holroyd makes his living attacking workers.

What Holroyd conveniently leaves out of his never-ending call for lower wages are the facts about skilled local workers, high productivity and related cost savings to taxpayers.

Laws that require local prevailing wages be paid on tax-funded projects are good for our economy.

Why? Because they promote decent pay, local employment and produce quality projects at the lowest price.

Holroyd promises savings to taxpayers if his low-wage scheme is adopted, but he can’t deliver. The only thing he can deliver is misinformation and discord, which may make him more money but will hurt our local workers, businesses and economy.

Steve White, director
Affiliated Construction Trades Foundation
Charleston