Labor-Management Education Committee – Lee Graham, Summer 2024

It has been an eventful spring for Labor Management. As we are diving into the all-important busy season of construction in Michigan, here is a quick recap of some of the great opportunities that we have had the privilege of partnering on.

In February and March, we completed our last two Contractor Roundtables for the year. The Operating Engineers 324 Southeast Michigan Roundtable was hosted In February at the OE 324 Construction Career Center in Howell. The goal of the Contractor Roundtable discussions is to hear from Contractors on how Operating Engineers 324 can strengthen the relationship and collectively improve market share in the region. We had a great turnout  that included the following partners: Adamo, Ajax Paving, Alta Equipment Company, Angelo Iafrate Construction, Aristeo Construction, B&M Crane, Barton Malow, Blaze Contracting, CA Hull, Cameron Forest, CAM, Capital City Group, Christman Constructors, CJ Hughes, Cipparrone Construction, Commercial Contracting Corp., Connelly Crane, Corby Energy Services, D&R Earthmoving, Dan’s Excavating, Erie Construction, Florence Cement, Gem Inc., Helmets to Hardhats, Hoffman Brothers, Ideal Contracting, Infrasource, Jay Dee Contractors, Jays Mobile Crane Inspections LLC, Kaltz Excavating Co., Major Cement Co., MDOT, Michigan CAT, Michigan Department of LEO, Midwest Steel, Nagle Paving, Olympia Entertainment, RAM Construction, Reco Equipment, Roncelli Inc., Salus Group, Site Development, Solxsys, Stoneco, Toebe Construction, USDOL Office of Apprenticeship, USDOL Wage & Hour Division, Veteran’s Utility Services, Walsh, Walter Payton Power Equip., Wayne County Airport Authority, WH Canon Company and Z Contractors. We had a few guest speakers at the Roundtable, as well: Brad Wieferich, Director of MDOT, Sean Egan, Deputy Director of Michigan Department of LEO and Dan Argentati & Adam Strong, of Michigan Fair Contracting Center. In conclusion, the Roundtable provided meaningful discussions and collaboration that was beneficial to those involved.

Our last Contractor Roundtable took place in March at the Operating Engineers 324 Western Michigan Construction Career Center in Grand Rapids.  Once again, there was a great turnout and we were joined by Anlaan Corp., Barton Malow, Capital City Group, Consumers Energy, Grand River Construction, Helsel’s Tree Service, Hoffman Brothers, Hydaker-Wheatlake Company, Kent Power, MDOT, Michigan CAT, Michigan Department of LEO, Reco Equipment, Salus Group, Solxsys, and USDOL Wage & Hour Division. We were fortunate to have the same speakers spread their message at the Grand Rapids event.

We are humbled to partner with the American Cancer Society Construction vs. Cancer to help sponsor their upcoming 6th Annual Big Dig of Michigan.  The event will be hosted at Operating Engineers 324 Construction Career Center, 275 East Highland Rd, Howell, MI 48843 on July 13, 2024. Partners will serve as “hard hats” and advocates in the fight against pediatric cancer while maintaining leadership in the ever-growing industry of construction. The Big Dig of Michigan gives children and families whose lives have been impacted by cancer, 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 event will host a variety of hands-on activities and entertainment. In September, the Big Dig is held at the Children’s Hospital of Michigan for the inpatient and outpatient children visiting the campus that day. The smiles on the faces of the participants are always priceless, and OE 324 was honored to host such an amazing event. This event continues to be a success because of the dedicated partners and volunteers that give their time, energy, and resources – so again, thank you for your past support.

On May 1 and May 2, the Operating Engineers 324 Construction Career Center in Howell hosted the 16th Annual Michigan Construction Career Days, and this year yielded another great success for exhibitors, volunteers, and students.  More than 3,300 7-12 grade students from over 100 schools throughout the state attended the event to learn about the skilled trades, engineering, and construction management opportunities and careers they present.  Most importantly, they were able try their hand at operating some heavy equipment and other trades hands-on activities!  Students, educators, and legislators, had the opportunity to talk to dozens of experts from the trades including electricians, carpenters, sheet metal workers, cement masons and others, before climbing on a bus and heading back to experience one or more of the cranes, excavators, dozers, rollers, pavers and more provided by the many contractors who provide equipment for the occasion.  We were honored that Governor Gretchen Whitmer was able to stop by to take in the event again this year. A thank you goes out to all the exhibitors and trades, as well as the many contractors and employers who participated and provided equipment.  And a special thank you to all the OE 324 members, retirees and staff who volunteered their time to help and show the students how fun and rewarding a career as an Operator and other trades can be!

All these efforts help encourage the Operating Engineers of tomorrow and let the community know about all the work we are doing daily – to build, to maintain, to operate, and to give back. Have a great summer and stay safe!

Lee Graham

Treasurer

Executive Director

Labor-Management Education Committee