Labor In The News: Council's Vital Role in Contracting

(Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO)

The D.C. Council’s “vital role in protecting D.C. taxpayers and workers from irresponsible contractors should not be underestimated,” wrote Jaime Contreras in a letter to The Washington Post on Monday. “Close scrutiny by the council was crucial in ending an era of contracting scandals…The D.C. Council responded to this crisis by both strengthening the contracting law and using its oversight powers to ensure that city procurement officials follow the law. Council members must continue to help ensure that city contracts are awarded only to companies that meet high standards and provide high-quality services.” Contreras is vice president and capital area director of SEIU Local 32BJ.