| Prototype Works
The sidebar in the
feature article on mass transit, "More Transit Industry Participants
See a ‘Green’ Signal Ahead," incorrectly states
that the photovoltaic panels on the new Stillwell Terminal
in Coney Island "did not deliver" (ENR 8/8 p. 32).
Moreover, the quotes attributed to me are misleading. The
PV panels perform as intended, providing 150kW of clean renewable
energy to the facility. While the cost of this prototype PV
installation exceeds the value of power savings over the life
of the facility, the elegant solar energy roof contributes
to the overall success of this facility and is helping to
rejuvenate Coney Island.
At MTA New York City Transit, we
have found that a number of piloted green measures, such as
recycled construction waste, natural lighting and natural
ventilation, are economical and practical. We are formally
incorporating these elements into our standards for use on
all applicable projects. I believe that in the future, sustainability
will be a natural part of all good designs.
Unions Should Do Better
I read with great
interest the letters from Mr. Julnes, "Why Unions Fail,"
and Mr. Kratz, "Without a Union" (ENR 6/20 p. 5;
ENR 7/18 p. 5). Even though I am a union mechanical contractor
and a union member, I must say that I agree with Mr. Julnes.
As I see it, unions have two issues
that affect them negatively. The first is that they work to
set the price of labor cost to an excessive level in lieu
of letting the cost float at "market price" as suggested
by Mr. Julnes. If the consumer, at any level, can find a cheaper
alternative at the same price, then we have overpriced our
product.
Secondly, unions are working to
stop the erosion of their already vastly shrinking market
share through legislation and political lobbying instead of
providing a better product through increased labor productivity,
increased technology/training, and of course unmatched safety.
No one, union or nonunion, should
have to work at a job that is not safe. Today we have the
federal watchdog Occupational Safety and Health Administration
and each state has a labor department of some sort to protect
against this.
The real union vs. nonunion debate
from the point of view of the people who use our construction
services–the customer–is who provides a better labor
product at the total lowest cost.
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