Brad Britton, Plumbers and Steamfitters Local 565 Business Manager, appeared on the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and addressed concerns regarding the 2023 West Virginia legislative session that could weaken licensing requirements for construction workers and limit unemployment benefits.
Plumbers and Steamfitters Local 565 represent about 330 members in seven West Virginia counties.
Britton is disappointed to see the West Virginia legislature debate the importance of craft licensing, again. Building trades leaders in the Mountaineer State believe a licensing requirement for most construction work ensures men and women undergo proper safety training and have a certain skill level to ensure the safety of the public. He noted how proper training is instilled in all union members.
Besides licensures, legislatures recently raised the state’s weekly unemployment wage from $424 to approximately $600, said Britton. He remains concerned thought because there is still talk about limiting the amount of time someone can receive unemployment benefits.
Britton also talked about some of the larger projects his members will be working on in the upcoming year, as there are multiple new mega projects in the Local 565 jurisdiction.
Listen to today’s episode to learn more about these topics.