BOSTON—A state board's decision to mandate the use of union workers on a $750 million overhaul of the University of Massachusetts-Boston is drawing criticism from some quarters, including a Republican candidate for governor.
Supporters of the Project Labor Agreement approved by the University of Massachusetts Building Authority board this week, including the administration of Gov. Deval Patrick, say it guarantees a higher quality workforce and eliminates the risk of strikes.
Republican gubernatorial candidate Charles Baker says the practice is politically motivated and could drive up the cost of the project by $100 million.
An official with the Merit Construction Alliance, which represents nonunion contractors, tells The Boston Globe that the decision is "antitaxpayer and antiworker."
