$2.4 Billion in ODOT Projects Approved
This week the Ohio Department of Transportation’s Transportation (ODOT) Review Advisory...
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Columbus/Central Ohio BCT: Skilled workers needed to curb shortage
Heeding a warning from the Associated General Contractors of America, the Columbus/Central Ohio Building and Construction Trades are trying to buck a national trend: a shortage of skilled construction and building trades workers.
The AGC recently discussed a depleted pool of unemployed, skilled workers needed as manpower as the sheer number of construction projects continues to rise nationwide, as reported in The Columbus Dispatch this week.
“Worker availability challenges have replaced a lack of projects as the biggest worry for many contractors,” said Ken Simonson, the AGC’s chief economist.
First Open House a success for Columbus Building Trades
Nearly 150 people attended the first-ever Open House hosted by the Columbus/Central Ohio Building and Construction Trades Council on Feb. 10.
City, county and state officials mingled with representatives from many of the 18 different trades the Columbus Building Council represents. The Council covers the central Ohio counties of Franklin, Delaware, Fairfield, Fayette, Licking, Madison, Marion, Pickaway and Union.
Renovation work at Progressive Field now under a PLA
The Cleveland Building and Construction Trades Council has successfully negotiated a Project Labor Agreement for the major stadium renovation project underway at Progressive Field.
While the union construction trades in Cleveland have had a positive relationship with the Cleveland Indians and the county-owned stadium, this is the first time a formal PLA was signed for a renovation project. The original construction of the ballpark 20 years ago, then known as Jacobs Field, was covered by a PLA.
Union density down in 2014: BLS report
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that union density was 11.1 percent in 2014, down 0.2 percent from the year before. During the year, unions added 48,000 members, but the overall workforce grew more.
The agency’s annual survey for 2014 also showed the median weekly wage of union members was $207 more than the weekly median wage for non-unionists.
Szollosi Welcomes Legislators in 131st General Assembly
The start of a New Year brought new opportunities for Ohio’s labor trades. On Jan. 5, the 131st Ohio General Assembly started a new session, and ACT Ohio Executive Director Matt Szollosi was on hand, networking and re-connecting with legislators.
Szollosi served four terms in the Ohio House, first elected in 2006. Since joining ACT Ohio in 2013, he has worked to maintain connections with Ohio legislators, while also forging new relationships with recently elected officials.
Read MorePower plant project starts under PLA in Northwest Ohio
The Oregon Clean Energy Project has broken ground on the construction of a new 800-megawatt gas-fired power plant in Oregon, Ohio. While the official groundbreaking ceremony won’t be until next month, preliminary construction is being done on the 30-acre site. The natural gas-fired combined-cycle generating facility will utilize high efficiency combustion turbines with heat recovery steam generators and a single steam turbine.
The project expects to employ around 500 local labor workers, under a Project Labor Agreement. The Project Labor Agreement sets standards for terms of employment and ultimately enables labor stability for a mutually beneficial outcome.
Read MoreHilton hotel changing the downtown Cleveland skyline
The Cleveland skyline has a new feature now that the construction of the new $272 million Hilton Hotel – set to open in time for the 2016 Republican National Convention – is taking shape.
The entire construction of the new 32-story hotel is expected to create 2,800 construction jobs including at least 40% Cuyahoga County residency and 20% city of Cleveland residency. Many local labor unions are working on the construction, including the Iron Workers Local 17, who recently completed a phase consisting of about 1,320 tons of structural steel for the podium. The four-story podium will be the bedrock to the 28-story tower housing 600 guest rooms.
Read MoreWOSU Public Media Fundraiser
As union members, we know that one of the most important things we can do is give back to our communities.
Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 189 of Columbus is proud to sponsor the WOSU Public Media fundraiser on Thursday, December 4, and urges all union members to consider tuning in and contributing to a great cause.
ACT Ohio 2014 Candidate Endorsements
The Affiliated Construction Trades of Ohio (“ACT Ohio”) has endorsed the following candidates for the 2014 General Election.
“ACT Ohio has determined that our organization will support those on both sides of the aisle who have demonstrated a willingness to better understand the construction industry and our business model,” said ACT Ohio Executive Director Matt Szollosi. “With our emphasis on apprenticeship training, safety, and professionalism, our members and partner-contractors stand ready to meet the needs of our customers, in both the public and private sectors. We appreciate the efforts and commitment of all who serve.”
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