Why Oxford Development Owes Pittsburgh an Explanation

By Joel Niecgorski, Senior Council Representative, EAS Carpenters Union
 

Oxford Development used to be a company Pittsburgh’s labor unions could count on. For years, Oxford partnered with union contractors and local workers to build safe, reliable projects that supported families and invested in our communities. That legacy helped build this city and Oxford’s reputation.

Now, that legacy is at risk.

Oxford’s recent decision to work with RDC Inc raises serious concerns. RDC Inc has a track record of using subcontractors like Five Star Drywall Inc, whose practices raise red flags for both workers and taxpayers. From our experience, some of these firms bring in out-of-town labor, pay below area standards wages, and skip basic employer responsibilities like proper deductions and reporting. These firms may also lack the same commitment to training, safety, and fair pay. 

This isn’t just about construction jobs. When companies misclassify workers or avoid payroll taxes, Pittsburgh loses. Those unpaid taxes mean fewer resources for our public schools, delayed repairs to our roads and bridges, and less funding for police, fire departments, and city services. Meanwhile, local workers get sidelined and honest contractors get undercut.

It’s even more troubling that Oxford’s new CEO, Sean Fox, is a former executive at RDC. Since he took over, Oxford has moved away from the union partnerships that helped build its name and reputation in Pittsburgh. Now, it’s awarding work to contractors connected to RDC, companies that in many cases fall short of labor standards. 

That kind of business model might help a developer’s bottom line, but it hurts Pittsburgh. It means less work for local skilled tradespeople, fewer opportunities for apprentices, and little reinvestment in the neighborhoods where these projects are being built.

Oxford’s board had a choice. They could have stood by the workforce that built their success. Instead, they’ve chosen a path that lowers standards and drains resources from the community.

Oxford Development owes Pittsburgh an explanation. The Carpenters will keep demanding answers, and we’ll keep standing up for the skilled union workers who continue to build this city the right way.
 

In solidarity,
Joel Niecgorski
Senior Council Representative, EAS Carpenters Union