Dorsey Hager, Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Columbus Central Ohio Building and Construction Trades Council (C/COBCTC), joined America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss workplace safety concerns, economic growth in central Ohio and challenges facing workers.
Hager addressed a recent non-work-related fatality at the L-H Battery Company construction site, emphasizing the importance of workplace safety measures and emergency response protocols. Hager said the incident exposed gaps in emergency services for large rural construction projects. He added that the tragedy has prompted a review of safety procedures across job sites to ensure proper resources are in place to protect workers.
Central Ohio's construction boom continues to create jobs, with Hager highlighting several significant projects. A proposed gas-fired power plant in Licking County aims to serve growing data center energy needs. Hager also discussed ongoing work at the L-H Battery Company plant and new Amazon data centers that will soon break ground. To meet workforce demands, Hager discussed outreach efforts to recruit more building trades members, including programs targeting high school students and underserved communities.
Addressing political challenges, Hager expressed concern over efforts to pass So-Called "Right-To-Work" legislation in Ohio and potential cuts to federal labor agencies like the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. He emphasized the importance of educating union members about policies that could negatively impact workers' rights and protections. Hager also stressed the building trades' commitment to diversity and inclusion initiatives regardless of federal policy shifts. He discussed the positive impact of community benefit agreements in creating opportunities for underrepresented groups.
Listen to the full episode above to hear more from Hager about the trades' efforts to promote safety, drive economic growth and protect workers' rights in Central Ohio.