Central Ohio unions creating better area infrastructure

Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Columbus/Central Ohio Building and Construction Trades Council, Dorsey Hager, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss a new contract between Transport Workers Union of America Local 208 and the Central Ohio Transit Authority. Hager also discussed proposed improvements to the regional transit infrastructure and the ongoing issues with the John Glenn International Airport terminal expansion project.

TWU Local 208 in Columbus recently signed a new contract with COTA. Hager talked about the major wins in what he called a “generational” contract. It was a big win for the TWU Brothers and Sisters in Central Ohio, and Hager discussed the benefits a quality public transit program can provide during the region’s construction boom.

He then talked about a recent report that identified Columbus as one of the two fastest-growing cities in America, tied with Austin, Texas. Hager explained how this growth has generated discussion about a high-speed rail transit system that would connect Columbus to other major cities in Ohio and across the Midwest. The proposed rail line would be part of a nationwide plan to improve rail transportation. Hager outlined the connections and how it couldl also help bring workers to the region that would normally choose not to make the three to four-hour drive to Central Ohio.

The proposed $2 billion dollar airport expansion at the John Glenn Airport is a problem for the area’s building trades unions. As Hager outlined in his recent appearances, the airport Board of Directors selected an out-of-state construction manager at-risk to run the project. Local Union are concerned Hensel Phelps will bring in workers from other states to man the project. Hager also talked about issues surrounding the diversity claims Hensel Phelps is making to reinforce the reason they are bringing in out-of-state workers. He outlined the differences between the board's negotiations with the C/COBCTC and other Community Benefits Agreements negotiated on regional projects.

Listen to the show above to hear more about what’s happening in Central Ohio.