Dorsey Hager, Columbus/Central Ohio Building and Construction Trades Council Executive Secretary-Treasurer, made his monthly appearance on the America’s Work Force Union Podcast, where he discussed current economic challenges and mental health in construction.
Dorsey Hager, C/COBCTC Executive Secretary-Treasurer construction.
The construction industry in Central Ohio is currently navigating a landscape marked by economic uncertainty, primarily due to recent tariffs and financial shifts.
Hager reported that Microsoft paused plans for a $1 billion Central Ohio datacenter project, while rumors circulate about potential delays in other major developments, including the $2 billion Columbus airport terminal project.
These setbacks have raised concerns about the industry’s stability. Despite these challenges, Hager emphasized that union halls remain busy, though not at the levels seen six months ago.
Prioritizing mental health in the trades
Hager and AWF host Ed “Flash” Ferenc also discussed the importance of prioritizing mental health in the trades.
Mental health awareness has emerged as a critical focus for the C/COBCTC due to the construction industry’s higher rates of mental health issues compared to other industries.
Hager emphasized the importance of fostering open communication and support among workers, sharing personal experiences and the tragic loss of colleagues to suicide.
America’s Workforce Radio Host Ed “Flash” Ferenc
These incidents have brought the issue close to home, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive mental health resources.
The Building Trades Council is actively working to integrate mental health support into apprenticeship programs, ensuring all workers have access to the help they need.
“They’re doing a lot to put more about suicide prevention and general awareness in our apprenticeship programs and curriculum,” Hager said. “They’re coming up with things, like a hotline, where people can call if they need somebody to talk to.”
Other initiatives, such as awareness campaigns and educational programs, are being developed to provide ongoing support and reduce the stigma surrounding mental health in the trades.
Recruiting minority contractors
To wrap up the interview, Hager talked about the C/COBCTC’s efforts to engage minority contractors by hosting outreach events.
Hager described a recent event aimed at educating minority contractors about the many benefits of becoming signatory contractors.
The C/COBCTC aims to help these businesses grow and thrive by providing access to skilled labor, health and welfare funds and opportunities to work on large-scale projects.
Hager emphasized the importance of expanding the local contractor base, noting that smaller companies must scale up to compete for work on major developments in the region.
“I think this is something we need to do a couple of times a year to make sure that we are continuing to grow our contractor base,” Hager said.
The C/COBCTC’s efforts to engage minority contractors not only promotes diversity but also strengthens the overall industry by ensuring that all businesses have the opportunity to participate in Central Ohio’s growing construction market.
To learn more about the challenges and opportunities facing the construction industry in Central Ohio, listen to the full episode here.
English 
Spanish
Leave a Comment