Elk Grove Promenade developer facing union problems

Janitors at General Growth Properties protest low wages, seek union representation

Chicago-based mall developer General Growth Properties (GGP) is facing labor problems at several of it's facilities nationwide.

Janitors planned to walk of the job at two malls in Fremont, California and Littleton, Colorado and protest at many of GGP's 200 properties nationwide. The protest is to fight what workers call unfair labor practices of the Millard Group who acts as a contractor for GGP.

According to charges filed with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRD) Mallard has harassed employees who have voiced support for union organizing activities.

The issue of low wages and working conditions came up at a recent Elk Grove city council meeting when city council candidate Katerine Maestas suggested the city explore a living wage for workers at a hotel being developed by Reynolds & Brown. The Bay Area real estate developer is receiving a multi-million dollar payout 'incentive' from the city of Elk Grove.

GGP is the developer of the Elk Grove Promenade Mall. Construction of the controversial mall stopped unexpectedly several weeks ago as GGP seeks to solidify it balance sheet.

As GGP struggles to regain it's financial footing, it appears they are facing a glut of mall space nationwide, and according to a story in the Wall Street Journal, scuttled a mall in Dallas after failing to land an anchor tenant. GGP has not firmed up who will be anchor tenants at the Elk Grove Promenade.