Mayor Kenney wants more people of color in Philly unions

Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney says he’s seeking to improve minority participation in city contracts.

However the head of the union representing the building trades is uncharacteristically silent on the matter.  

Speaking on WURD-AM, Mayor Jim Kenney was asked by host Solomon Jones about employing more minorities on city projects.  

“I am committed to making the city as diverse and to insure that every neighborhood in the city can take advantage of the wealth of the city,” Kenney said.

The new mayor says this isn’t just talk.

“People should be skeptical and people should say that we’ve heard this before and I understand that  and they have heard this before,” he said.  “The only thing we can do is produce and I think that I am in the position now because of the support I received and the coalitions I received with the building trades and with the diverse coalition that elected me actually we can get something done and move in the right direction.”

John Dougherty head of the Philadelphia Building and Construction Trades Council (who also runs International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 98) declined to respond to Kenney’s promises.