Published 6:51 p.m. CT
Dec. 10, 2019
Nashville public schools will require thorough documentation of work done on its construction projects after a group of concrete workers recently alleged wage theft against a district subcontractor.
“Going forward, the facilities and construction department will require contractors and all subcontractors have written contracts for work being performed,” said Metro Nashville Public Schools Interim Superintendent Adrienne Battle during a Tuesday night board meeting. “That way, if there is a wage theft claim or payment dispute in the future, there will be more documentation to help get to the bottom of the situation.”
The change comes after allegations that Nashville’s Orion Building Company subcontracted with Joe Haas Construction, which in turn hired the concrete company – RSA Concrete – for cement work at McMurray Middle School.
Workers said the concrete company was never paid $43,000 for work by the subcontractor and are alleging wage theft.
A similar incident occurred during work on a Vanderbilt University building, the group said, and the school placed pressure on the contractor to ensure payment.
Nashville schools has paid its contractual obligations to Orion and district staff have facilitated a meeting to resolve the issue. Battle said another meeting is forthcoming.
“Normally, contractual disputes like this will be settled by mediators or courts, but we are trying to facilitate a productive path forward towards a quick resolution,” Battle said.
Last month, Workers’ Dignity asked the district to ensure contractors require bonds to ensure payment for work at a site. Nashville public schools, Battle said, already requires bonds that ensure payment for work being performed.
The change will require more overall documentation. Workers’ Dignity Interim Co-Director Jack Willey said to the board that he wants the documentation process to be as simple as possible to ensure its effectiveness for all workers.