LIUNA Officers Representing Hundreds of Thousands of Workers Descend on Capitol During Building Trades Legislative Conference

Washington, D.C. (April 9, 2019) – Hundreds of local leaders of the Laborers’ International Union of North America will meet with Congressional representatives from across the nation today, urging them to take action on infrastructure and other crucial issues.

“While Congress has long talked about fixing our infrastructure, they have failed to act,” said Terry O’Sullivan, General President of LIUNA. “It’s time to begin.”

Local union representatives stressed to legislators the importance of creating good jobs rebuilding the nation’s roads, bridges, transit systems and other fundamental infrastructure. According to the American Society of Civil Engineers U.S. infrastructure has sunk to a D+ grade due to continuing negligence.

Union officers told members of Congress that it is time to begin reauthorization of the federal Highway Bill, which is the main resource for transportation infrastructure. They also spoke about the importance of strengthening energy infrastructure, including natural gas, wind and solar farms, and other fuel sources.

Leaders of LIUNA, among the largest of the building trades unions, highlighted the need to address climate change by supporting low- and no-carbon fuel sources, not by attacking the livelihoods of millions of Americans who work in energy industries.

The union leaders also:

• Urged lawmakers to protect the retirement security for the millions of Americans who rely on multi-employer defined benefit pension plans by rejecting increased fees.
  
  
• Spoke up for the passage of legislation protecting immigrants in the U.S. under Temporary Protected Status and “Dreamers” here under DACA.
  
  
• Pushed for funding of the 9/11 Victim’s Compensation Fund which provides compensation for emergency responders and victims suffering from 9/11 illnesses.

“I have never been more proud of the men and women of this union, of our boots on the ground and of our ability to be heard,” O’Sullivan said. “In the coming months we will continue to forcefully and effectively deliver the message to Congress that they must have the courage to do their jobs. It is time to act.”

See a detailed list of the LIUNA Legislative Priorities here.