Dorsey Hager, Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Columbus/Central Ohio Building and Construction Trades Council, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss new developments and ongoing challenges in the region’s construction industry.
From expanding workforce development initiatives to addressing prevailing wage legislation and airport project concerns, Hager provided valuable insights into the current state of Central Ohio’s building trades.
Dorsey Hager, C/COBCTC Executive Secretary-Treasurer
The Building Futures pre-apprenticeship program is set to expand through a partnership with the First Church of God on the east side of Columbus.
This city-funded pilot program aims to provide 12 to 20 participants with soft skills training and direct pathways into the trades.
Hager emphasized the program’s importance in light of ongoing construction projects in Central Ohio, including the Early Childhood Learning Center and tech industry developments from companies like Intel, Google and Amazon.
The expansion of Building Futures comes at a crucial time, as Central Ohio continues to experience significant growth in construction and development.
“With Intel, Google, Facebook and Amazon, it looks like there’s going to be plenty of opportunities for these folks, and we’re going to definitely try to get them in the trades after they complete the program and get them out on one of these jobsites building one of these local projects,” Hager said.
By providing more opportunities for local residents to enter the trades, the program helps ensure a skilled local workforce is available to meet the increasing demand for construction labor in the region.
Prevailing Wage
Hager then highlighted a proposed ordinance in Columbus that would extend prevailing wage requirements on private projects that receive $500,000 or more in public investment.
If approved, the ordinance would ensure fair compensation and benefits for more workers.
America’s Workforce Radio Host Ed “Flash” Ferenc
Hager argued that tying prevailing wages to tax incentives and other public support would benefit the local workforce and economy, preventing situations where out-of-state contractors undercut local wages.
By enforcing prevailing wage on more projects, Columbus aims to create a more level playing field for local contractors and workers while maintaining high standards for construction projects.
Columbus Airport Project
The $2 billion renovation project at John Glenn Columbus International Airport is facing challenges, according to Hager.
Despite some union involvement in initial work, concerns have arisen about minority contractor participation and budget overruns.
Hager detailed a specific instance where a local minority-owned contractor was passed over for a $16 million terrazzo job in favor of an out-of-state, non-minority firm.
This decision could result in millions of dollars in wages leaving the local economy, highlighting the need for greater emphasis on local and diverse contractor participation.
Hager’s advocacy for using local contractors demonstrates the building trades council’s commitment to supporting the regional economy and promoting diversity in the construction industry.
Listen to the full episode here.
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