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Sheet Metal Workers ask SFPUC to bar American Mechanical from city HVAC awards over alleged prevailing-wage violations
Summary
Representatives of Sheet Metal Workers Local 104 told the SFPUC they have public-record complaints alleging American Mechanical Services failed to pay prevailing wages and did not use certified apprentices; SFPUC staff said they will investigate and report back to the commission.
Anthony Urbino and Richard Kronig, speaking for Sheet Metal Workers Local 104, urged the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission on Jan. 8 to declare American Mechanical Services of Walnut Creek an "irresponsible bidder" and stop any HVAC awards to the firm. Urbino read a letter and provided complaint files he said show the contractor failed to pay prevailing wages, denied overtime and did not use state-registered apprentices on several public projects.
"We hereby request that the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission declare that American Mechanical Services of Walnut Creek is not a responsible bidder," Urbino said, reading the union's submission and listing prior complaints on projects in Orinda, San Ramon, Alameda and San Francisco.
SFPUC staff responded that the commission must follow existing rules and due process. "One issue is, does the union actually have standing in complaining about an award?" said staff member (Mister) Kelly. Ivy Fine, manager of the Contracts Administration Bureau, told commissioners she would research whether the subcontractor appears on SFPUC Job Order Contract (JOC) lists, confirm licenses and review the documentation the union provided.
"I can get back to you by the next commission meeting," Fine said. Commissioners pressed for a faster response; staff said they would inquire more immediately and "try to get back to you in 5 days." The commission instructed staff to work with the Office of Labor Standards Enforcement and other internal units to determine remedies and any prospective limits on a firm’s future bidding eligibility if violations are substantiated.
The commission did not take formal punitive action at the meeting; staff said an investigation and a report on options — including whether the SFPUC can preclude a contractor from bidding or deem it less qualified because of prior violations — will follow.
Ending: The SFPUC told union representatives it will pursue a factual review and return with findings and options at an upcoming meeting.
