Industry
The Inflation Reduction Act Means Good Jobs for WV
As this story goes to print, the U.S. House of Representatives is set to vote on a landmark energy, healthcare, and tax bill called the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA). The $433 billion bill is poised to be the country’s biggest clean energy investment in U.S. history, while also delivering healthcare subsidies for millions of Americans and enacting a...
WV Taxpayers Get Stuck with Bill for Failed Carbonyx Coke Plant in Jackson County
Taxpayers may have lost millions from an investment in a failed factory in Jackson County. An auction was held on July 13 to sell equipment, paid for by taxpayers, which was leased to a company called Carbonyx Inc. at a facility in Millwood, West Virginia. Details about exactly how much taxpayers lost, and where the funds for the failed eff ort...
New Study: Union Construction Industry is Superior at Meeting U.S. Workforce Needs
New data from a survey of more than 5,000 contractors nationwide shows that union contractors are better equipped to supply well-trained workers to projects than their non-union counterparts. With the United States facing a labor shortage in the post-pandemic work environment, the labor market has become a major issue for busi-nesses. However, an analysis of the situation has found that...
WV AFL-CIO Holds State COPE Meeting for General Election
The COPE process is based on questionnaires, which candidates submit to their local Central Labor Council (CLC). The CLCs then give candidates the opportunity to have a virtual or in-person interview to get a better idea of their background and vision as a candidate. The endorsement process is based on work related issues like restoring prevailing wage, workplace safety, enforcing...
Out-of-State Construction Gets Nucor Concrete Job
On June 17, Utah contractor Associated Brigham Contractors, who goes by ABC Concrete, was awarded the concrete phase of the $2.7 billion Nucor steel mill in Mason County. Two regional union contracts were in the running but unable to win the bid. While the total dollar amount of the contract is unknown, sources say it represents more than two million hours...
Tri-State Elects Holbrook Business Manager
The Tri-State Building and Construction Trades Council recently held an election for a new Business Manager on June 27. John Holbrook, former Business Manager for Plumbers, Steamfitters and HVACR Local Union 248 of Eastern KY, will replace outgoingTri-State Business Manager Mark Johnson. There are 50 local construction unions affiliated with the Tri-State Building and Construction Trades Council from 14 different international...