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 the ongoing efforts to secure a Community Benefits Agreement for the Columbus airport expansion. He also talked about the continued interest in bringing new technology projects to Central Ohio and a recent leaked memo causing a rift between a new Columbus City School Board member and Local unions.
The $2 billion expansion project of the John Glenn Columbus International Airport has proven to be a challenge to secure a Community Benefit Agreement with the C/COBCTC. Hager explained the history of the negotiations between airport board members and the Local building trades. He hopes the board will agree to a cCBA, but he said labor leaders are preparing for alternatives. The plans include potential job actions, picket lines and outreach efforts, but until they have to be used, these plans are just a backup, Hager said.
Dubbed the “Midwest’s Silicon Valley,” by Hager, Columbus continues to see growth and development as a part of the technology construction boom. He started with an update on the Intel plant, which is in Phase 1 of the multi-billion dollar project, with another three phases planned over the next 18 to 20 years. Hager then discussed the purchase of 521 acres that has been rezoned for an industrial complex. The reason behind the purchase is unknown for now, but it’s a positive sign for the future work coming to Central Ohio’s building trades.
Finally, Hager discussed a growing issue between local unions and a new Columbus City School Board member. He discussed a leaked memo from the School Board member who wrote about different ways to handle the Columbus Education Association. These actions included strategies to limit CEA President John Coneglio’s communication with the board and weaken the unity of members and the union. Hager outlined the full memo and how local labor leaders, Columbus residents and the other members of the board are handling the situation.
To hear more about the work in Central Ohio, please listen to the show above.
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