Local carpentry union protests Chapman for allegedly undermining construction labor standards

Members of Carpenters Union Local 714 protested outside Memorial Lawn this past week, condemning Chapman for its partnership with RD Olson Construction and Framing Specialists, Inc. Photo courtesy of TATIANA DOUAIHY, Social Media Manager

Standing at the edge of Chapman University’s campus by the intersection of Glassell Street and Palm Avenue, a large, bright sign has caught the attention of onlookers since Oct. 28. In bold lettering, it read “Fraud, Deceit & Elder Abuse at Chapman University?”

Printed at each side of the yellow board, which was held up by two demonstrators each day, were the words “Labor Dispute,” hovering above an unlabeled QR code. 

The demonstrators, as explained by orange flyers handed out to interested bystanders, are members of Carpenters Local 714, an Orange County based union. Specifically, the handout states Carpenters Local 714 has filed labor disputes with Chapman in addition to contractors R.D. Olson Construction and Framing Specialists, Inc. for “(eroding) area standards for carpenter craft workers.”

“Shame on Chapman University & RD Olson Construction For Desecration of the American Way of Life” are the words emblazoned on the front page of the handout. 

Exact details of the dispute remain unclear, as the union and both contractors were unavailable for comment. However, the flyer alleges the university, R.D. Olson Construction and Framing Specialists, Inc. have neglected certain labor standards while working together on an upcoming construction project near the K Residence Hall.

Framing Specialists, Inc, which lists R.D. Olson Construction as one of its clients, was specifically mentioned in the handout as reportedly not paying for construction workers’ family health benefits or pensions in full. 

That same handout claims Chapman and R.D. Olson Construction have “an obligation to the community to see that area labor standards are met for construction at all their projects,” arguing that the two parties “should not be allowed to insulate themselves between ‘independent contractors.’”

The bottom of the page urges readers to contact Robert Olson, who serves as R.D. Olson Construction’s CEO, and several members of Chapman’s Facility and Property Management departments. It also notes Carpenters Local 714 is not asking for any work to be halted because of the dispute.

Rick Turner, Chapman’s Vice President of Facilities Management, explained how the university hires contractors.

“Chapman University selects general contractors based on their quality, experience, reputation and competitiveness,” Turner said in an email to The Panther. “We do not discriminate between union or non-union firms.”

A 2015 lawsuit against the university by Chapman donors James and Catherine Emmi appears to be at the center of the union’s claims of elder abuse. An article on the lawsuit, featured on the demonstrators’ sign and handouts, details a claim by the Emmis that they were pressured into signing a binding $12 million donation pledge to Chapman.

Later that same month, the lawsuit was dropped. It is unclear how exactly the lawsuit is related to the labor dispute, as reports feature no mention of the construction project at 350 N. Cypress St.

The dispute’s direct impact on Chapman has yet to be seen, but some on campus have begun to take notice of the demonstrators. 

Lauren Moyle, a sophomore creative writing and history double major, told The Panther she wasn’t surprised to see another demonstration voicing discontent with the university. 

“Given Chapman’s history, like (how they handled) COVID-19 situations, I’m not surprised to hear they’re hiring a company that (is involved in the dispute),” Moyle said. “A lot of the things they (promise) are very performative.”

As a Chapman student, Moyle wants to see more transparency when it comes to the university’s business agreements. 

“We should know how Chapman treats not just its students and faculty, but (also) the people they hire (externally),” Moyle said.

Senior business administration major Owen Thurman hadn’t heard of the labor dispute before talking to The Panther, but he believes making contractual information available for students could have serious consequences for both Chapman and its hired constructors.

“A lot of those contractors, they’re not necessarily going to want that visibility because they’re going to be negotiating rates with … other contractors,” Thurman said. “Having those rates publicly disclosed to students is exposing their business to everybody.”

While the labor dispute is still awaiting a resolution, students like Moyle contemplate its long-term effects on faculty and alumni. 

“(The Chapman) name gets stamped onto all of those (controversies),” Moyle noted. “When we go out into the world, we’re attached to that name.”