Roofer targeted by union, religious activists

Jennifer Shubinski

Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2002 | 10:54 a.m.

The Nevada Interfaith Council for Worker Justice along with union roofers said they protested in front of Beazer Homes construction sites Tuesday over what they say are poor working conditions for roofers employed by Metric Roofing of Nevada Inc.

Beazer Homes contracts with the company for its home building projects.

Officials with The Nevada Interfaith Council said that Metric Roofing has failed to pay its roofers for work performed and that the company has actively campaigned against workers' efforts to organize. The council wants Beazer to intercede on behalf of workers, said Griselda Mariscal, program director for the council.

"We want Beazer to higher responsible contractors," she said. "The workers employed here by Metric, we haven't talked with the workers yet, but we understand there is a drive to organize them."

Officials with Beazer Homes and Metric Roofing said the allegations were unfounded.

Terry Sharp, chief operating officer for Metric Roofing, said workers of the 30-year-old company are paid everything they are owed.

"We have invited the union and said if the workers want a union, take it to a vote. It's a pretty easy process," said Sharp, who is based in Phoenix. "If the workers want to be unionized, then we'll step up and support them in that effort."

Kent Lay, senior division president with Beazer Homes, said he has no knowledge of unfair labor practices by Metric Roofing.

"Metric Roofing is an upstanding company and works in good faith with its employees," Lay said.

Steve Carroll, general manager for Beazer Homes, said he was not aware of any demonstrations Tuesday and said all roofers showed up for work.

Lay said there are no grounds that would allow Beazer Homes to terminate its contract with Metric Roofing.

"There is nothing to substantiate anything (the Interfaith Council) said," Lay said.

The council also said that Metric Roofing is involved with a class action lawsuit involving hundreds of Tucson, Ariz., roofers, alleging lack of full pay for work performed.

Sharp said there is a pending lawsuit in Tucson involving four workers, but said two have since left the company and two are still current employees.

"They want home builders to fire us so union roofers can get our market share," he said.