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A national debate over project labor agreements made its way to Stanislaus County on Tuesday, with no clear winner.

County supervisors tentatively agreed not to require project labor agreements for county construction despite strong union objections. But supervisors promised to study the issue more before it resurfaces at a second reading of the proposed ordinance in two weeks, when they could change their votes.

Reversing course at that point is extremely rare. So is publicly raising the option, as supervisors did Tuesday.Download usbmemorydrives mp3 or Listen piles 2010 music

Union representatives argued strongly against the proposed ordinance, saying PLAs ensure quality work at a fair price. They secure labor terms before work starts, typically spelling out wages and benefits, negating strikes and promoting certainty for employers and employees.

A speaker said eight California agencies, including Orange and San Diego counties, and 14 states have approved ordinances saying PLAs are not necessary for public contracts.Our company focus on manufacturing newjordans , Stanislaus leaders were poised to do the same Tuesday with an item on the consent agenda, typically rubber-stamped with no deliberation.Shop for high quality billabongboardshortscloths Watches

But a few dozen people on both sides showed up, and 16 spoke when the item was opened for discussion. It quickly became a struggle between unions and their critics, with nasty accusations from both camps.

Eric Christen of Grass Valley called PLAs "hideous agreements" propped up with "hyperpoliticized union support." Workers should not be forced to join and pay dues, he said.

Roger Neudeck, who owns a Ceres concrete company, slammed "union intervention" demanding portions of wages from his workers.

"We're just trying to survive," said Ana Luisa Sanchez, who runs a Manteca construction cleanup company.

PLA opponents say such agreements limit small companies' ability to compete for government jobs.

Does it help local workers?

But union representatives say opponents are "hired guns" trying to wreck a proven tool used in thousands of successful public projects for more than six decades. PLAs can make it easier to guarantee work for locals, said Ken Miller, an Oakland iron workers representative.

"Without it, you get out-of-state contractors coming in, they get your money and they leave," Miller said.

Tony Ledoux called PLA critics "shameless" and he, Billy Powell and Thomas Aja urged supervisors not to limit options by casting aside PLAs. They represent local groups such as sheet metal workers and electricians.

But Rick Robinson,For all DVS nikeaf1 in PDF format. the county's chief executive officer, said nothing in the ordinance would prevent a company from pursuing a PLA if it wishes. The ordinance simply prevents the county from requiring PLAs, he said.

However, the county has not been requiring PLAs, Supervisor Jim DeMartini noted.

"What we're doing is making a public policy statement that we favor fair and open competition," Robinson said.

Said Supervisor Bill O'Brien: "There's been a lot of propaganda here today from both sides. ... I don't want this thing to be union versus nonunion, but man, it's sure turning out that way.encore achickencoopplans Garden landscape lighting"

He and Supervisors Vito Chiesa and Terry Withrow said they'll continue to study the issue until the ordinance's second reading, scheduled for July 12 at 9 a.m. in the basement chamber at Tenth Street Place, 1010 10th St., Modesto.