I want to wish all OPCMIA members and their families a happy Labor Day!
I hope that in addition to family gatherings, barbecues or other events, you’re able to take the time to reflect on what the labor movement means to you, to your brothers and sisters, and to our nation as a whole.
Because unions built the middle class — and unions are still the pathway to the middle class.
As a union member, you receive training, pay, health benefits, retirement security, safety protections and a voice in the workplace that unorganized workers can only dream of. That’s why nearly half of all non-union workers say they would join a union in their workplace tomorrow if they got the chance, and why 65 percent of Americans approve of unions.
That’s why it’s so urgent that the Senate pass the PRO Act, which passed the House on March 9th, and send it to President Biden’s desk immediately. Because the PRO Act will remove the barriers that now prevent tens of millions of Americans from joining unions and empowering themselves with collective bargaining.
That’s also why it’s so urgent the House pass the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, because so many of the millions of jobs it creates will be good union jobs for members of OPCMIA and the other Building Trades unions.
Fortunately, the American labor movement is more dynamic and forward-thinking than ever. Under the able leadership of new AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler, the federation is making bold, aggressive outreach to the workers of the future, especially women and people of color. She has always been a strong supporter of OPCMIA’s Steel Edge Women, and I know we’ll see greater gains among women in our union and throughout organized labor in the years to come.
Your union is also forward-thinking in our embrace of cutting-edge technology. That’s why OPCMIA has pioneered the use of virtual reality training in fireproofing and concrete troweling, and why we are now encouraging every Local Union to participate through a “Multi-Union VR Agreement” that enables a group of Local Unions to share the equipment. This is not only a great way to for members to learn proper techniques before ever setting foot on a job — it’s also a great tool in attracting today’s youth to our crafts.
So please, enjoy your Labor Day. And remember to give thanks for all that labor brings to your lives.
Daniel E. Stepano
General President
