The Carpenters’ Union has always stood for the principle of a fair day’s work for a fair day’s pay. Our members go to work and get the job done with professionalism and skill. In return our members want what all other working people want; the community’s living wage standard, good health benefits and a safe work environment.

Unfortunately, there are times when contractors choose to pay their workers less than the established Area Standards for wages and benefits, or don’t follow the necessary safety protocols. This not only affects the workers and their families, it hurts our communities.

Far too often contractors will cut wages to secure the lowest bid on a project.  To remain competitive, other contractors are then forced to follow suit. This “Race to the Bottom,” as we call it, causes a reduction in consumer spending which hurts our local economies. With reduced or eliminated health benefits, workers are forced to rely on government programs for assistance-- all at the taxpayers’ expense.

The District Council does not believe the “Race to the Bottom” is an acceptable way of doing business in our communities. We believe maintaining Area Standards keeps contractors competitive and our workers trained and highly skilled, all of which benefits our community. We will continue our fight for all Carpenters, union or not, to receive a decent wage and benefits. For us, it’s about providing for our families and building and sustaining strong communities.

We thank you for your support of this issue.

Raineri Construction is a carpenter contractor run by a former District Council member, with his wife listed as the owner. The company's office is located in St. Louis, Missouri. Raineri Construction is engaged in primarily what is termed “light construction,” commercial construction on privately financed projects under $3 million, but it also does some work in the public sector, mostly on school projects. While required by law to pay the wage and fringe benefits Area Standards for carpenter work on public sector projects, Raineri Construction does not pay the Area Standards on privately financed projects. We have informed the public about this company’s “race to the bottom” practices by the display of banners at its offices and at projects it has worked in the area.  We intend to continue our bannering efforts to keep the public aware of this this company’s harmful practices and would greatly appreciate your contacting us at (314) 644-4800 if you learn that Raineri Construction is working in your neighborhood.  Thank you.