Nonunion workers file complaint over UMass deal

A group of nonunion contractors has filed a complaint with the state over an agreement to use only union labor for a $750 million construction project at the University of Massachusetts-Boston.

The Merit Construction Alliance contends in its complaint with the State Ethics Commission that the agreement violates conflict of interest laws because the board that approved the deal includes two union leaders.

The unions stand to collect at least $5.2 million in dues from the project.

The president of the Merit Construction Alliance says the agreement is "an election year scheme" by Democratic Governor Deval Patrick's administration to hand jobs to special interests.

The union officials named in the complaint tell The Boston Globe they are confident there is no ethical conflict with their involvement.