Business

WAPA Propane Site Workers Made To Use "Homemade" Tools, Prt. 2

With concern for the high unemployment rate on St. Croix and a struggling economy, some local workers employed at WAPA's propane conversion facility construction site in Christiansted are voicing their disapproval of an influx of imported workers from neighboring islands, as well as hazardous conditions under which they work. Much of their complaints are about subcontractor, AT Construction, a Puerto Rico-based firm with offices at UVI's RT Park on St. Croix. In a recent interview, Acting Commissioner of the Department of Labor Catherine Hendry told VI Consortium, "When it comes to the law, resident workers versus out-of-state workers, basically, as long as you're a citizen of the United States, you can come and apply for a job any which way. Residency is not enforced." She went on to say that there are certain requirements companies must meet in filling vacancies with local workers, particularly companies who receive Economic Development Authority (EDA) tax benefits. Ac...