By George P. Hassett

Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone is pushing an ordinance that, according to critics, would limit bids for construction jobs in the city to companies that use union labor.

If passed, the measure would require all companies doing work on city projects of $100,000 or more to pay employees prevailing wages, offer workers medical coverage and participate in a state-approved apprenticeship program. Many small companies do not offer apprenticeship programs.

On Wednesday, March 26, aldermen held a public hearing on the ordinance. Union leaders attended to voice their support. Critics who spoke against the measure included former mayor Eugene C. Brune, Chamber of Commerce President Stephen Mackey and small non union-affiliated contractors.

Rich Rogers, the principal officer of the Greater Boston Labor Council, said the ordinance, “would level the playing field so union contractors can compete for municipal projects in Somerville. There are too many fly-by-night contractors out there who can undercut union bids.”

Teamsters Local 25 President Sean O’Brien said if aldermen don’t pass the ordinance, ‚Äúwe’re going to have a bigger problem when it comes to exploitation of immigrant workers.‚Äù

Critics of the ordinance said it will drive up costs to the city during a recession and limit competition for public jobs.

Brune vetoed a similar bill in 1985 after aldermen passed it by a one vote margin. Last week he expressed the same sentiments, speaking in opposition to the ordinance.

Mackey read a long list of recent dire economic reports and said the ordinance could limit bidders for such large city projects as the rebuilding of the East Somerville Community School.

Peter Miller, a city resident who said he had no business interest in the outcome, said studies have shown responsible employer ordinances cost cities an added 12 percent in building costs.

Ordinances similar to the one discussed last week have been raised in the city before. In 1985, union members packed City Hall by the hundreds to support the proposal eventually vetoed by Brune, according to then-Ward Six Alderman and current Alderman-at-Large John M. Connolly who voted against it then. He said last week’s turnout was a small one compared to previous hearings on the issue.

Ward One Alderman Bill Roche said the issue was brought before the board again in 1997 but never made it out of committee.

Aldermen Sean O’Donovan, Rebekah Gewirtz, Tom Taylor, Dennis Sullivan and Bob Trane said they expect to vote for the measure while Bruce Desmond said he expects to vote against it and Connolly, Roche, Maryann Heuston, Bill White and Walter Pero said they have yet to make a decision.

In an interview with The Somerville News, Curtatone said the ordinance was not a union issue. ‚ÄúIt’s not about being pro-union or anti-union. If we’re going to invest hundreds of thousands, and sometimes millions, of dollars we need to be certain contractors are abiding by the law.‚Äù