To view our videos, you need to
enable JavaScript. Learn how.
install Adobe Flash 9 or above. Install now.

Then come back here and refresh the page.

BINGHAMTON, N.Y. -- Despite the excitement from local officials and business owners, there are some people who have an issue with one of the student housing complexes.

Members of the local electricians union came out to the 20 Hawley Street student housing construction site to protest what they believe is an unfair bidding process. They say because the project is receiving tax benefits from the Broome County Industrial Development Agency, the labor for should be from local contractors.

"This project from the electrician’s point of view is being manned by non-local labor," said Tom Spicer, IBEW Local 325 Representative. "We're trying to get local labor involved in the IDA's funding of local projects."

Representatives of the IDA say they encourage developers to use local labor when possible and practical. This, however, is not a mandate or a requirement.

They also said if it were to become a requirement, projects like the one at 20 Hawley Street might never get started due to higher bids from local contractors.