Dorsey Hager, Columbus/Central Ohio Building and Construction Trades Council Executive Secretary-Treasurer, appeared on the America’s Work Force Union Podcast on Aug. 2 and provided updates on various megaprojects in Central Ohio.
The Honda plant in Fayette County is moving along. Currently, over 2,000 union construction workers are on site as crews try to keep Honda and LG on schedule to start producing batteries by Jan. 9, 2025.
Dorsey Hager, C/COBCTC Executive Secretary-Treasurer
There are currently about 1,600 tradespeople on the Intel chip plant site, with plans to have 2,500 workers there by the end of the year. Intel expects to have up to 5,000 construction workers on-site next year.
Workers at Intel are starting to put in steel, and a super crane will be installed soon to help build and move heavy equipment.
Google plans to invest another $2.5 billion into its three Central Ohio datacenter campuses, creating more work for building trades members.
Hager also believes Amazon is preparing to make another major announcement as it looks to extend its footprint in Central Ohio.
Hager told AWF host Ed “Flash” Ferenc that there are rumors of more projects coming to Fayette County, making the area the next hot region to see an increase in construction projects.
Helping underserved communities
The C/COBCTC is making a dent in getting the underserved population on the pathway to a middle-class life.
America’s Workforce Radio Host Ed “Flash” Ferenc
“We’ve raised awareness in communities that have been underserved in Franklin County and Columbus in the past,” Hager said. “We’ve let folks know that these opportunities in the building trades are there, and they’re growing and they’re going to be here for a long time.”
The C/COBCTC does a great job of going to middle and high schools to talk to students so they can learn about the trades and even take certain math and science classes to prepare them for union construction work, Hager said.
Members who have completed a C/COBCTC-affiliated apprenticeship program do a good job at recruiting by talking to their family and friends about their experience in the trades. The more people who spread the word, the more people who join.
C/COBCTC backs Vice President Harris
Hager ended the interview by saying people in Central Ohio are excited about the resurgence of Kamala Harris and said she brings a new energy and intensity to the campaign.
“We have to make sure we get Vice President Harris elected and that she continues the legacy of President Biden and the important programs that are creating jobs and opportunities for our members and their families,” Hager said. “She, like Joe Biden, is not afraid to say the word ‘union.’ In fact, she walked a picket line, so yeah, I get it.”
Listen to the full interview and other topics Hager and Ferenc discussed here.
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