Investing in our nation’s infrastructure is overdue and the work to update, repair or replace old and damaged infrastructure is critical. It will also create thousands of jobs in the process and energize the economy.
Columbus/Central Ohio Building and Construction Trades Council Executive Secretary-Treasurer Dorsey Hager joined the AWF Union Podcast to talk about the recently released plan for our infrastructure improvements across the U.S.
Creating jobs in Central Ohio
As the Biden Administration has been rolling out its various plans to help the nation rebound from the pandemic, while also supporting American workers, hopes are high that a bold infrastructure spending bill can be passed. The building trades are expected to be among the groups to see job increases should the infrastructure bill pass.
Hager said Biden’s massive infrastructure spending plan would be fantastic for local economies in Central Ohio. It would put people to work and bring money into their communities, and once the work is complete, it will encourage even more growth,
Speaking about other positive news, Hager also discussed the possibility of another data center, for either Google or Facebook, being built in Central Ohio, which would create more jobs for the members of his affiliated Local Unions.
Women in the trades
Hager then acknowledged reports about an increased number of women joining the trades, and why it is such an appealing opportunity for them to get involved. Pay equity, equal opportunities to advance and equal benefits across the board, are main reasons why women are taking a closer look at career opportunities in the union construction industry, he said.
Lastly, Hager praised the ongoing success of the Driving Futures and Building Futures programs in Columbus and how they have helped introduce numerous underserved area residents to the opportunities available that do not require a college degree or student debt.