LIUNA Local 362 Picket outside the Bloomington-Normal Marriott

Image Courtesy of The Normal Trades and Labor Assembly Facebook Page

NORMAL, Ill. — Members of the Laborers International Union of North America Local 362 are picketing at the Marriott Hotel in Uptown Normal over Edelman Construction Inc.’s lack of contract and substandard wages for employees.

Ronnie Paul is the business manager for Laborer’s Local 362, he was among his fellow union members as they stood outside the Marriott 

“The substandard wages bring wages in the area down,” Paul said. “They are not paying the wages typical for this area.”

Paul added that there is no contract with Edelman Construction meaning there are no local workers on the project. Marriott also hired an out-of-state contractor, which brought in out-of-state workers. 

Paul expressed to community members that their support of not giving Marriott business is what is most helpful to them. He added that events are already being canceled as new details regarding the picket and unfair wages come to light. The Bloomington & Normal Trades and Labor Assembly also made a “Do Not Patronize” post on Facebook. 

The main goal union members are fighting for is to turn around the Marriott job, with local workers spearheading the effort. Additionally, Paul stated that fair wages and working conditions are another important obstacle they are hoping to overcome.

He also highlighted the importance of “looking out for the working man.” Whether or not local workers join the project they are still advocating for the rights of the current workers, who are on-site seven days a week for 10 hours a day.

“We’re not going to stand by and watch a contractor deny your work wages,” Paul said. “We’ll fight for the workers on this site to get what they should be getting paid.”

Laborer’s Local 362 reached out to Edelman Construction via phone and email, leaving messages with requests to discuss a fair contract. Edelman constructed did not respond.

Union members stated they would continue to picket until a solution is reached.