Local Labor Groups Agree: Gordie Howe International Bridge a boon for Michigan workers and communities

DETROIT—It is a milestone day in Detroit as hundreds gathered for the Gordie Howe International Bridge’s Michigan advance construction groundbreaking. Among the attendees were major Michigan labor organizations — Michigan Building and Construction Trades Council, Michigan AFL-CIO, Michigan Laborers District Council, Michigan State Utility Workers, Operating Engineers 324 and Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters and Millwrights — who all agreed that the bridge project is essential and will be a boon for the city of Detroit, its surrounding communities and greater Southeast Michigan region and the entire Great Lakes State, the state’s hardworking men and women, and the economy as a whole.

“We’re excited about the new opportunities for thousands of Michigan workers to help build connections with a critical international ally,” said Pat Devlin, secretary-treasurer for the Michigan Building and Construction Trades Council. “The Gordie Howe International Bridge will drive investments in Michigan for years to come, creating new jobs and opportunities, and bolstering the future of our state.”

“The Gordie Howe International Bridge is already improving the lives of hardworking men and women. The advance construction work commencing today has created opportunities for local workers and the critical infrastructure project will continue to support job growth and job creation well beyond its completion. Michigan’s workers, families and communities all stand to benefit for years to come,” said Ron Bieber, President, Michigan AFL-CIO.

“We’ve been excited to track the progress on the Gordie Howe International Bridge throughout 2018,” said Geno Alessandrini, Business Manager, Michigan Laborers District Council. “The project is not only creating a number of construction opportunities for our members to build the future of the state, but when complete, it will continue to support the hardworking men and women of Michigan by driving investments and ensuring a strong international partnership.”

“The Gordie Howe International Bridge stands to benefit workers across Michigan, including skilled tradesmen and women, and local contractors” said Mike Jackson, executive secretary treasurer, Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters and Millwrights. “The project is vital to keeping Michigan’s economy strong and will drive job growth well into the future.”

“Investment, jobs and quality of life will all go up in Michigan when the Gordie Howe International Bridge is complete,” said Pat Dillon, President, Michigan State Utility Workers Council. “Today’s advance construction groundbreaking is yet another milestone in an exciting year for the project. By creating an even stronger relationship with our largest trading partner in Canada, Michigan, and its working men and women, stands to benefit immensely well into the future.”

“We support projects that provide vast benefits to workers, businesses and communities throughout Michigan, which is why we are so excited to see the advance construction work commencing on the Gordie Howe International Bridge today,” said Douglas W. Stockwell, Business Manager, Operating Engineers 324. “Our members look forward to building a bridge that helps ensure a Michigan that works for everyone by increasing opportunities and jobs for local workers to support local communities.”