Labor dispute over U.S. Open in Merion intensifies

A labor dispute with the USGA heated up this week as local unions alleged a contractor brought in foreign workers to set up tents and infrastructure for the U.S. Open.

Members of the local carpenters' and stagehands' unions have been picketing in front of the Merion Golf Club, where the tournament will be held June 10-16, and at Haverford College, where luxury spectator tents and a pedestrian bridge are being built.

Edward C. Coryell, business manager of the Carpenters' Metropolitan Regional Council, said his pickets had spoken to some workers who said they were in the United States on six-month guest-worker visas.

The workers allegedly told pickets they were being paid $8 an hour, with no benefits, and were working from sunup to sundown.

"We asked if they're getting overtime. They laughed," Coryell said.

A representative of Classic Tents who would not give his name said: "We made numerous offers to the union, and they've refused every one of them."

James King, director of marketing for Classic Tents' parent company, said the company did "not engage temporary or seasonal workers from other countries."

The USGA said it was still negotiating with the unions "to explore opportunities for its members to complement the work being done at Merion by companies who have long-term agreements with the USGA."

The tournament is expected to bring $100 million to $125 million to area businesses and draw about 170,000 people.

"Given the significant contribution that our national championship delivers to its host community . . . we are disappointed by how the union is mischaracterizing the USGA's preparations," the USGA said in a statement.

About 25 union members gathered in front of the club Friday, with trucks carrying billboards that said, "Do you want to know the TRUTH about the US OPEN?" Several drivers honked and cheered as they passed.

Mike Barnes, president of the stagehands' union, noted that other major sporting events in the area - including the World Series and the NCAA Regional Finals - have required contractors to at least meet local wage standards.

"The USGA is approaching it with this elitist mentality," Barnes said. "It's an affront to every unemployed worker in this area."

Barnes and Coryell said they were still in talks with the USGA, adding that the protests "will escalate if they don't fix it."