Meadowland Co-op, based in Lamberton, recently started an expansion in Walnut Grove that includes large concrete grain storage bins. They hired SMA Elevator Construction Co. of Monticello, which hired subcontractor Genuine Builders of South Dakota to do much of the concrete work.
The Mankato Building and Construction Trades Council, which represents union construction workers across southwest Minnesota, said Genuine is "A top user of a controversial H2B visa program that allows companies to employ foreign guest workers for construction tasks that are typically performed by locals."
"We're not against the worker program," said Building Trades President Stacey Karels. "But when there are local workers in local communities having a tough time making ends meet, they could be employing some local people to build that facility."
Meadowland Co-op referred questions to SMA.
Dan Jenniges, owner of SMA, said he was unaware of the union's concerns. He said SMA and Genuine Builders are doing nothing illegal.
"Is it against the law? So what's the problem? It sounds like a bunch of complaining," Jenniges said.
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