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Union workers picket new construction
Last month, members of the Iron Workers Union Member 38, Local 361 spent several weeks in front of the store at 4360 Sunrise Highway in Massapequa, hoping to bring public pressure onW algreens to change its course of action. "It's not right. They should support Long Island and its local unions if they want to build here," said John Sisto, a union worker from Farmingdale. Matt Chartrand at Union headquarters elaborated. "The general contractor is caught in the middle because Walgreens gives them the money to hire workers but the amount they give them can't pay our wages so they are hiring out-of-state workers," he said. "We believe in the living wage on Long Island." According to Walgreens spokesman, Michael Polzin, however, the final decision on what firm to hire was left up to the developer on this project. "In our new construction, we look to see if it benefits us economically and time-wise to build the store ourselves. In this case a developer, B.F. Development, is in charge of the construction and it was up to them who they hired." That developer did not return calls for comment. Polzin added that Walgreens has a good relationship with the unions on Long Island and that when it gets bids for its new stores it looks for union bids. "If they are competitive, price wise, we use them," said Polzin. Polzin added that Walgreens will lease the building from the developer, who will own the store, a 13,000 square-foot building with a drive through pharmacy. It will offer an additional 4,000 squarefeet of retail space, for a total of 17,000 square feet. Chartrand, from West Islip, said Walgreens officials have decided to sit down with his union soon. Polzin added that although they are willing to negotiate the disagreement, no date has been set. Calls to the developer were not answered by press time.
The new drug store raised some community concern about traffic and noise when it was first announced. Despite that, it was given approvals for construction, which is expected to be completed this month.
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