Union protests at WWU construction site

DAVE GALLAGHER - THE BELLINGHAM HERALD

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BELLINGHAM - About 30 union members staged a protest at Western Washington University to urge the school to use contractors that better meet "community standards."

Members of the Laborers' International Union of North America Local 276 specifically targeted the Buchanan Towers addition Wednesday, Sept. 23, near Bill McDonald Parkway. The addition is being built by Ebenal Construction of Bellingham.

Along with handing out information, the workers put up large inflatable balloons. The Laborers Local 276, which is in a labor dispute with Ebenal, charges the company shouldn't have been awarded the contract because it has safety violations and lawsuits in recent years.

Steve Swan, vice president for University Relations, said WWU is abiding by the state of Washington's bid process when it awards contracts. David Ebenal of Ebenal Construction did not return a phone call seeking comment.