Spring is right around the corner, bringing with it warmer weather and for Labor Management, it is a chance to continue the many great opportunities and projects we have been working on throughout the winter months.

In January, we hosted our 19th Annual Upper Peninsula Signatory Contractor Roundtable. We met with representatives from A. Lindberg & Sons, Bacco Construction, Closner Construction, Dawes Rigging & Crane Rental, Dickenson Iron ISD, Eagle Mine, FA Industrial Services, Gundlach Champion, James Peterson Sons, Kokosing/Alberici, Log Trucking, Sand & Gravel, McNally Crane, Miron Construction, Northern Michigan University, Payne & Dolan, UP Building Trades and UP Construction Council. The Roundtable included key speakers State Representative Sara Cambensy, Mike Smith from the Upper Peninsula Construction Council and Matt Johnson from Eagle Mine. It was a very successful Roundtable where relationships were strengthened, and good dialogue and conversation continued between Local 324 and our Contractor partners.

In February, we also hosted our 11th Annual Bay Area Signatory Contractor Roundtable. We kicked off with guest speakers Jim Barcia, Bay County Executive and Doug Wunder, Consumers Energy. We met with representatives from Barton Malow, CAM, Champagne & Marx Excavating Inc, Consumers Energy, Dobson Industrial Inc., Enbridge, Fessler & Bowman, Fisher Contracting Co., Great Lakes Fusion, M&M Excavating, M&W Crane Rental LLC, McNally-Nimergood, MDOT, Michigan CAT, Pyramid Paving & Contracting Co., Roese Pipeline and USDOL Office of Apprenticeship.

In the months ahead, we will have two more Roundtables for the Southeast and Grand Rapids areas and we also anticipate them being successful where partnerships are strengthened with continued discussion and dialogue.

For 45 years, Michigan Apprenticeship Steering Committee, Inc. (MASCI) has been one of the state’s leading advocates for opportunities that can be provided through Registered Apprenticeships. MASCI brings together labor, industry, educators, government, public and lawmakers, with the goal of increasing the opportunities, profile and standards that build long and meaningful careers in construction and manufacturing. On December 13th, MASCI held their 2021 Excellence in Apprentice of the Year Awards Meeting at the William B. Ford Technical Center in Westland. The Manufacturing winner was UAW Local 659’s Colton DeMars and the Construction winner was IBEW 252’s Maurice Patry. Congratulations to both winners – their dedication to their craft did not go unnoticed!

We are humbled to partner with the American Cancer Society Construction vs Cancer to help sponsor their upcoming 4th Annual Big Dig of Michigan. The 4th Annual Big Dig of Michigan event will be hosted at Operating Engineers 324 Construction Career Center, 275 East Highland Rd., Howell, MI 48843 on July 16, 2022. This is where partners will serve as “hard hats” and advocates in the fight against cancer and while maintaining to be leaders in the ever-growing industry of construction and STEM. The Big Dig of Michigan gives children and families the opportunity to attend and operate heavy machinery, including excavators, scissor lifts, and more, all while raising awareness and funds for pediatric cancer research. This festive fair-like event will host a variety of hands-on activities and entertainment. Tickets are required. Tickets are $15 per child and include admission to the Big Dig of Michigan event, event t-shirt, and various giveaways. For more information, please visit acsglsem.ejoinme.org/mibigdig

The Michigan Safety Conference will be held April 12th and 13th at the Lansing Center. The Michigan Safety Conference is a volunteer organization dedicated to promoting the improvement of workplace safety and health practices in the State of Michigan. During this two-day event, participants are provided with quality workplace health and safety education. Please visit michsafetyconference.org/ to find out more information.

The Michigan Construction Career Days (MICCD) is an event where opportunities in and around the construction industry are shown to students, school superintendents, administrators, teachers, and counselors about successful careers in the trades. This construction career exploration is open to all Michigan 7th-12th grade students. The in-person event will be held May 4 and 5, 2022. Please visit michiganccd.com for current updates to this event.

The Family Career Day Picnic is Saturday, May 7 – Please join us for the fun-filled family day and remember to bring a dish to pass for the luncheon.

Stay healthy and warm – Summer is right around the corner!

Lee Graham
Treasurer
Executive Director
Labor-Management Education Committee