Peabody 'Responsible Contractor' Ordinance Proposed

PEABODY, MA — Local unions are supporting a proposed city ordinance in Peabody that would require all new public works projects including the hiring of certified trained apprentices and mechanics for city projects.

Heat & Frost Insulators Local 6 union leaders said they have the support of City Council co-sponsors Jon Turco and Dave Gamache and that the ordinance would "lead to an increase in hiring of skilled workers in the community, improve standards for construction projects, and be good for the environment."

Supporters said the ordinance was recently approved by the city solicitor.

"Proper training is what allows us to perform top-notch work," said Robert Sicotte, Insulators Local 6 member and a professional insulator in Peabody, said in a release to Patch. "Peabody's community depends on infrastructure like schools and healthcare facilities, and these jobs
should be going to those who are qualified.

"If you're legally bound to pay prevailing wages, it only makes sense to hire people who have gone through an apprenticeship program sanctioned by the state. It doesn't cost anything more. It's a no-brainer."

Supporters said the requirement is a growing trend across the state.

"This will go a long way in improving the safety and longevity of our buildings and providing jobs to workers who live in our communities," Turco said in a union statement. " In Peabody,
construction is booming, and our friends and neighbors deserve the highest quality work possible.

"In addition, this ordinance will create the kind of high-quality jobs that means people can sustain and care for their families."

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)