A recent Economic Policy Institute study showed minorities who join the building trades are better off than those in the non-union construction sector.
Dorsey Hager, C/COBCTC Executive Secretary-Treasurer
America’s Workforce Radio, host Ed “Flash” Ferenc, and Dorsey Hager, Executive Secretary Treasurer for the Columbus/Central Ohio Building and Construction Trades Council, discussed the study comparing union construction workers to those who are non-union.
Hager explained the opportunities a building trades apprenticeship can offer. From better wages, great health insurance and retirement benefits to a quality education and opportunity for career advancement, a building trade apprenticeship provides opportunities not seen in the non-union sector.
He told Ferenc his affiliated unions have more minorities in their ranks than those affiliated with the non-union Associated Builders and Contractors.
Minority outreach, Hager said, is high priority for the C/COBCTC affiliated trades.
Aside from talking apprenticeship, the interview also touched on the impact of the Davis-Bacon Act and how Prevailing Wage makes a positive influence in the lives of construction workers.
U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine Lan Chao recently came out in favor of Prevailing Wage on any infrastructure plan.
Ferenc described how the loss of Prevailing Wage is another example of the “race to the bottom.”
Hager also gave an update on a Community Benefit Agreement and spoke about some of the on-going central Ohio area projects.
To listen to the entire interview, click here.
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