The building trades and transportation industry are in need of new, young people looking to start a career. Throughout the country, programs are popping up to introduce young people to these professions.
In Columbus, Ohio, Columbus/Central Ohio Building and Construction Trades Council Executive Secretary-Treasurer Dorsey Hager is promoting two such programs. He discussed these, Ohio politics and more on America’s Work Force Union Podcast.
Reopening public schools
Hager weighed the advantages and disadvantages of reopening public schools. The school is a workplace and Hager said it is vital that teachers are vaccinated and safety measures are put in place to protect them and students.
He discussed the digital divide and the strain it has put on some students and their families. Without access to high-quality internet, students may fall behind or be faced with a situation where they have to sit in a parking lot where wireless internet is available.
President Biden’s first month
Hager has been impressed with the actions of President Biden during his first month in office. He cited the early action of firing NLRB General Counsel Peter Robb, who is a notorious union buster.
Additionally, the appointments of Pete Buttigieg and Boston Laborer Marty Walsh will have a positive effect on the labor community. Having Walsh as his Labor Secretary, President Biden is in a position to launch more union-friendly initiatives and promote unionism.
Building Futures and Driving Futures
The two programs are designed to get central Ohio youths interested in the building trades and careers in transportation.
Hager said the programs are going well and that a large class will be graduating from the programs this spring.
He encouraged listeners to research these programs and suggest them to anyone they know who is interested in starting their career or changing careers. The careers established through these programs provide family-supporting wages and quality fringe benefits.