A controversy about construction workers at a future Mills Fleet Farm complex in the west metro has picked up steam, involving charges and countercharges between a union and the company and leafletting at several stores.
A local laborers' union claims that a contractor for the project is using temporary workers and paying them the minimum wage of $7.25 per hour.
"Fleet Farm should be ashamed that it's taking the cheapest and riskiest route possible to put up this outlet in Carver," said Tim Mackey, business manager for Twin Cities-based Local 563 of the Laborers' International Union of North America.
The future store, located along Hwy. 212 in the city of Carver, has received property tax subsidies, and the county commissioner who represents the area said he is irritated that more local workers have not been hired at higher wages.
"I know many county residents are unemployed with the skills that are needed for that construction, and some are losing their homes." said Commissioner Randy Maluchnik. "I consider Mills a good neighbor. ... I hope this is an oversight."
The company vehemently disagrees with the union and accuses it of spreading misinformation. All of the jobs are local, and contractors are paying substantially more than minimum wage, said Mills' co-owner Stewart Mills Jr. "There isn't anyone paying minimum wage," he said.
Construction began at the site in late June. The complex will include a retail outlet, a Mills Gas Mart and convenience store, and a Mills Car Wash on nearly 39 acres near Jonathan Carver Parkway and Hwy. 212.
Mills Properties Inc. of Brainerd is in charge of the project and has hired more than two dozen outside contractors, most of them with union crews.