NABTU Legislative Conference Prioritizes Infrastructure Investment
This April, the North America’s Building Trades Unions (NABTU) hosted its annual Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C., where Union leaders, members, and members of Congress met to address key issues surrounding infrastructure investment.
NABTU President Sean McGarvey told union brothers and sisters that “we need to get a trillion-dollar infrastructure bill on the president’s desk.” Trump’s latest infrastructure bill neglected to include many projects, including public schools, which would stimulate economy and create nearly two million good-paying jobs for skilled building trades workers.
Speaker Nancy Pelosi addressed the conference and stated her support for all of the 14 organized unions. “Building a better future means building up the human infrastructure of the America. You set the gold standard of apprenticeships and workforce training – which help America workers climb the ladders of opportunity,” said Pelosi. “The House applauds your quality registered apprenticeship initiatives, which ensure that no worker is left out or left behind in the 21st century.”
NABTU also welcomed Democratic presidential candidates to address the conference, including Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, Senator Kamala Harris of California, Representative Tim Ryan of Ohio, Senator Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, and Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey. Warren, who comes from a military and union family, stressed the importance of keeping unions alive, “Unions aren’t going away. Not today, not tomorrow, not ever.” She also voiced her support for the Infrastructure Bill. “That’s two trillion dollars to build a real future, not just for the rich and powerful, but two trillion dollars to build a future for all of us,” Warren said.
In addition to the workshops, BAC delegates participated a luncheon with U.S. Representatives Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) and Harley Rouda (D-CA), both of whom strongly support infrastructure investment and co-sponsored the Rebuild America’s Schools Act. BAC delegates also visited Capitol Hill to meet with their Representatives and demand Congress pass a robust infrastructure investment package, promote workforce development, and uphold strong labor standards for working families.
