A controversial contractor has been selected as the preferred choice to build the V&A at Dundee despite moral objections over its history of blacklisting.
The choice of BAM Construction Ltd as the favoured builder of the flagship waterfront museum was slammed by opposition councillors, but they failed to get the company out of the project.
Labour member Richard McCready pointed to the allegations that BAM was involved in blacklisting union members as late as 2009 with the help of the now-defunct Consulting Association.
The West End councillor said the selection of BAM which trade unionists claim blacklisted dozens of workers for membership of labour groups was a “moral issue”.
Dundee councillors had unanimously agreed as recently as April not to hire businesses with a history of blacklisting unless they had undertaken remedial action, he said.
He added: “Do we want to live in a city and a country which protects workers or takes the side of big business?
“The information is coming in clearly now that blacklisting has taken place. That information is reflected in our actions, those of the Scottish Government and those of the Scottish select committee in Westminster.
“As a council, we have taken a stand to exclude firms that have taken part in blacklisting and BAM themselves admit that they have taken part. But they have taken no remedial action.
“The moral position on this is incredibly clear.”
Mr McCready was supported in his arguments by another Labour member, Brian Gordon, who suggested that construction work was one of the most dangerous ways to make a living and that members had to be certain proper health and safety procedures were in place.
The pair put forward a motion calling for Dundee City Council’s policy and resources committee to “not agree” with the appointing of the main contractor.
SNP administration leader Ken Guild said the motion “could put the whole (V&A at Dundee) project in jeopardy” and that “the ramifications (of this motion) would be very harmful indeed”.
He was supported by city planning director Mike Galloway, who said the uncertainty created by rejecting BAM as the preferred contractor could plunge the entire project into disarray.
The motion was rejected by councillors and BAM Construction Ltd was approved as the preferred main contractor for V&A Dundee.