Ironworkers Local 92 Business Manager and Financial Secretary Bart Maddox joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and discussed efforts to recruit new members in order to meet the workforce demand created by the $5.6 billion electric vehicle plant Ford plans to build in Tennessee.
Local 92 represents workers in Alabama. However, with 1,200 to 1,600 ironworkers needed for the Ford plant located in Stanton, Tenn., the Local will need to boost its recruiting efforts and apprenticeship programs to help meet the demand, Maddox said. Otherwise, the need to supply workers to build the largest car plant in the world will put the Local in a pinch, he added.
Maddox also talked about Local 92’s roots and the challenges of organizing in a So-Called “Right to Work” state. Fortunately, the Local partners with a good base of contractors who are open to negotiations and look out for the workers, he added.
Lastly, Maddox discussed how the upcoming Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will impact work in his jurisdiction. There are currently 150 bridges within the Local 92 jurisdiction that need repairs or need to be replaced, he said. This will bring great job opportunities to the area and further increase the need to expand union membership, he added.
Listen to the entire episode to learn more about these topics: