RELEASE: MINNESOTA BUILDING TRADES RALLY FOR JOBS AT STATE CAPITOL

May 19, 2022

St. Paul, MN — Today, the Minnesota Building Trades held a rally at the state capitol, urging the Minnesota Legislature to pass a construction jobs bill by the end of session. Images from the rally can be viewed online by clicking here.

“We are encouraged that Governor Tim Walz, Speaker Melissa Hortman and Majority Leader Jeremy Miller reached an agreement on a budget framework that includes $1.4 billion for local jobs and projects in communities across Minnesota,” said Joe Fowler, President of the Minnesota Building and Construction Trades Council. “Now we are calling for bipartisan action to pass the capital investment bill and make needed investments to repair our crumbling water and transportation infrastructure, including the expansion of safe transit and the removal of all lead lines.”

The bonding bill is a tool to address critical infrastructure needs, create family-sustaining jobs and careers, and pave the way for a strong, more inclusive and representative construction workforce.

“With a strong economic outlook, the state has a historic opportunity to invest in our communities and the critical infrastructure we all rely on every day,” said Jason George, Business Manager of Operating Engineers Local 49. “These investments translate to good, family supporting jobs for Minnesotans. These investments are essential to our future success and key to economic prosperity for all of us.”

"Our members are ready to do the work of completing overdue and necessary infrastructure upgrades to make Minnesota more safe, healthy and equitable," said Joel Smith, President and Business Manager of LIUNA Minnesota and North Dakota. 

“Now is the time for a career in the construction industry. The Carpenters, in partnership with other union construction trades, lead the way in outreach to veterans, women and people of color to meet the workforce needs of our contractors,” said Executive Secretary-Treasurer Pat Nilsen. “Not only are we inclusive in our recruitment, we also fight for labor standards for all carpenters who are looking for a middle-class job with good benefits.”

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