The Purple Line faces another potential problem: a labor dispute.

With major work set to resume in earnest in August, the new construction team brought in to bring the much-delayed light-rail transit line faces a risk of a labor dispute that could slow things down.

To underline the point, more than 50 construction workers protested this week at a public meeting to introduce the new project managers in downtown Silver Spring.

Protesters say the team led by Spanish firms Dragados and OHL does not have a collective bargaining agreement like the one the project had previously.

Under that kind of agreement, the builders agree to certain wages and benefits, and, in exchange, the labor union agrees not to hold a strike or other work stoppages.

The new contractors face a tight timeline, making them vulnerable to that kind of pressure. The project manager said recently that they will have to pay more than $200,000 for every day construction goes on past the deadline.

Project officials with the Purple Line will hold an open house tonight, May 26, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., about construction restarting at the University of Maryland Stamp Student Union atrium, 3972 Campus Dr. in College Park. The open house is designed to give the public an overall project update.

Support the Wire and Community Journalism
Make a one-time donation or become a regular supporter here.