Schedule Change For Those Working On Construction Projects During Papal Visit
By Paul Kurtz
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The upcoming Papal visit has led to a change in schedule for those working at construction sites in the city.
The Friday before and Monday after Pope Francis comes to town will be a nightmare for motorists as major highways are shut down and stringent security measures put in place.
To get around that predicament the General Building Contractors Association and area unions have worked out a temporary change in schedule.
Marty O'Rourke is a spokesman for the Carpenters Union.
"What they're gonna do is permit their members to work ten-hour shifts for four days the week prior to the Pope's visit as well as the week after the Pope's visit." says O'Rourke. "So that from a workers standpoint they will get their 40 hours in and from the Contractors standpoint they will get 40 hours worth of work from the carpenters."
O'Rouke calls it a win-win. A statement from the GBCA says the setup will be critical in reducing unnecessary disruptions to numerous construction projects throughout Philadelphia.