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WASHINGTON, DC – “The Biden-Harris administration has turned its back on you.”
That was the conclusion of Acting Labor Secretary Julie Su when she addressed attendees at a conference organized by The Association of Union Constructors on Wednesday.
Su, who has led the Labor Department since March 11, doubled down on the Biden administration’s dedication to pro-labor efforts, saying that what benefits workers benefits employers and the nation as a whole. He highlighted many of the work-focused efforts the administration has undertaken.
Examples include the first Davis-Bacon rule change in 40 yearsa binding executive order labor contract projects on many government-funded projects and the Mega Construction Projects Programwhich offers project owners free assistance with training and hiring local workers on 23 projects worth more than $35 million.
Trade groups representing non-union or open contractors have not celebrated these changes, and some have sued the federal government on updating the Davis-Bacon rule, claiming it would increase project costs and contribute to higher taxes.
The president has not consistently supported unions amid the recent wave of labor unrest: A year ago, Biden signed legislation blocking a national strike by railroad workers.
Su repeatedly emphasized “paving the road,” in construction work, both literally and metaphorically.
“For too long, the story we’ve been told is to cut corners,” Su said, noting that in construction, a race to offer the lowest bid can lead to project delays and safety issues. “I challenge you to raise your voice against those who advocate for taking the low road.”
Working climate
2023 was a “crucial turning point” for construction, due to the flow of large chunks of federal funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the CHIPS Act and the Inflation Reduction Act, Union Builders Association President Justin Bruce Executive Vice President. of New Castle, Pennsylvania-based Bruce & Merrilees Electric Co., told attendees.
At the same time, he called attention to what he said was a national wave of support for organized labor, due in part to a series of strikes in other sectors who have obtained new contracts. There is still high demand for trade workers amid insufficient supply.
Warren Fairley, international vice president of the southeast section of the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, said he had found some respite.
Under his leadership, Fairley said the Boilermakers have partnered with other unions, specifically Ironworkers, to offer workers the opportunity to work at other labor groups’ jobs as needed. When boilermakers act for ironworkers, profits are paid to the boilermakers’ union.
Fairley said the practice was optional, but he has made an effort to see other unions as allies, rather than competitors.
“It’s time we stopped letting the term ‘organized labor’ be an oxymoron,” Fairley said.
