Dorsey Hager, Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Columbus/Central Ohio Building and Construction Trades Council, made his monthly appearance on the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and spoke about Ohio’s State Issue 1. He also gave an update on Intel and other construction projects and discussed the need to recruit new building trades members in Central Ohio.
Dorsey Hager, C/COBCTC Executive Secretary-Treasurer
When it comes to voter-initiated Constitutional amendments, Hager believes Ohio should maintain its current 50 percent plus one majority outcome. As such, he actively testified in both the State House and the Ohio Senate against what is now State Issue 1, a proposal to change the state’s Constitution to a 60 percent threshold. Hager expressed concerns that altering the state constitution would create a narrower margin of victory for critical legislative efforts, potentially hindering future progress.
He also explained why the building trades are against Issue 1 as well as an attack on women’s and worker’s rights. He also noted that Senate Bill 83 and House Bill 151, both of which the Columbus and Ohio State building trades oppose, aim to strip collective bargaining rights from teachers, aides and individuals working at public universities.
Infrastructure and job growth in Central Ohio
Phase I of the $100 billion Intel fab plant in New Albany is moving along. In May, tradesmen and tradeswomen began to pour concrete. Iron Workers are on site as the building begins to come out of the ground. This marks a major milestone for the project, and in the coming months, more workers will be needed.
Hager also announced that $2 billion will be invested to expand the John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) to accommodate the region’s robust growth. The original CMH terminal opened on Sept. 21, 1958, and while the airport has undergone cosmetic improvements over the years, the core of the terminal is approaching the end of its useful life. Hager will be speaking with the general contractors and trying to get them to agree to a Project Labor Agreement.
Need to recruit new members
America’s Workforce Radio Host Ed “Flash” Ferenc
With all the new construction work going on in the Central Ohio region, there is an immediate need for additional union construction workers. Hager said his affiliated unions are doing their best to organize non-union construction workers and they have also ramped up
efforts to recruit more apprentices.
Recently, he spoke with Martin Helms, Executive Director of Helmets to Hardhats, who urged Hager and C/COBCTC affiliated unions to reach out to transitioning active-duty military members who are not from Ohio. Helms told Hager that many men and women who are preparing to leave the armed forces will relocate for a good job. They will go where the jobs are, even if it’s not in the area where they grew up or currently live.
Sustainable Housing in Central Ohio: A Growing Need
Hager also highlighted the urgent need to create sustainable housing solutions in the region. Central Ohio, notably Columbus, is attracting a significant number of young professionals. However, the housing shortage makes it difficult to attract and retain young talent in the region. Hager stressed the importance of collaborative efforts to address this issue and ensure a thriving community. He participated in a roundtable discussion with area leaders and explained that a streamlined permitting process can help alleviate some of the problems homebuilders face. Simply put, the region needs hundreds of more sustainable homes to be built in order to address the crisis.
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