Dorsey Hager, Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Columbus Central Ohio Building and Construction Trades Council, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss economic challenges in Central Ohio, ongoing construction projects and a union-busting case impacting Teamsters Local 284.
Hager began by expressing his concern over proposed federal budget cuts, particularly to Medicaid and green energy initiatives. These cuts could significantly impact local communities, workforce development programs, and ongoing construction projects in Central Ohio. He said the cuts would affect union members and vulnerable populations in the area relying on social services. Hager warned that reducing funding for green energy initiatives could hinder the region's booming data center industry, which requires substantial power infrastructure.
The conversation shifted to ongoing construction projects in Central Ohio, including a proposed 800-megawatt gas plant in Fairfield County. This project, estimated at $800 million to $1 billion, would complement other major regional projects, such as Honda's electric vehicle battery plant and Amazon's data centers. Hager stressed the importance of maintaining a robust energy infrastructure to support the region's growing industrial and tech sectors, highlighting the need for a diversified energy production and distribution approach.
Finally, Hager addressed a union-busting case involving Teamsters Local 284 and the Sutphen Corporation, a long-standing fire truck manufacturer in Dublin, Ohio. He explained that despite a historically positive relationship with the union, new management at Sutphen hired a union-busting lawyer, leading to unfair labor practices being filed and stalled contract negotiations. Hager commended the pro-union stance of the Columbus City Council, which made a fire truck purchase contingent on Sutphen negotiating in good faith with the union.
Listen to the full episode above to hear more from Hager on Central Ohio's workforce and some of the labor issues they face.