Pennsylvania Convention Center on schedule for March opening

A customer-satisfaction agreement was signed in June 2003 by six labor unions and the Convention Center Authority "to make the center a better place to do business," he said. Though customers say "things have taken a big step forward," he noted that they also say "additional programs are needed to continue to make the center more cost-effective and efficient given the incredibly competitive convention environment today."

Lately, a controversy has begun simmering between the two sides. The head of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 98, John Dougherty, recently wrote a letter to the city alleging that Young wants to squeeze some unions out of work setting up and knocking down exhibits at the existing center. The union has retained new lawyers, led by Richard A. Sprague, to represent it in the matter.

"There is no controversy regarding the expansion," Resta said Friday. "We are currently working under a labor agreement with the Philadelphia Building Trades Council."

Young declined to comment on Dougherty's letter.

Last week, about 450 construction workers were fanned out over eight acres stretching from 13th Street to Broad, from Arch Street to Race, pressing full steam ahead with the expansion.

Men on high-reach machines were installing ornamental aluminum strips in the atrium. Some on ladders were putting additional wire ties in the ceilings of the meeting rooms.

And in the vast Terrace Ballroom, prep work proceeded on a curved acoustic ceiling.

Contact staff writer Suzette Parmley at 215-854-2594 or sparmley@phillynews.com.