By Assemblywoman Jodi Giglio
What Albany Could Learn from Construction Unions
In the long drive from Long Island to the State Capitol, I have often thought that Albany could learn from Local 138 and the heavy construction trades. Traits like the need to build tangible results, coming to the table with a focused plan, deploying your work ethic and experience, and creating solutions when identifying problems, to name a few. Regrettably, Albany doesn’t carry a union card. But I do.
As your New York State Assemblywoman, I have the privilege, honor, and duty of representing the residents of my Assembly district, including my colleagues in the heavy construction and infrastructure industries. I am equally proud to say that, in addition to being an elected official, I also sit on the Executive Board of Local 138 of the International Union of Operating Engineers. These dual leadership positions in public service and the construction trades allow me to engage with stakeholders in both public and private sectors, where I work to ensure that our infrastructure is both properly planned and funded, and then properly constructed by qualified union members.
Being a fellow union member and Long Islander, I believe that our construction trades serve as a foundation for our community. Recognizing the enormous career potential of this sector, I encouraged my sons to join me in becoming union members themselves. But there needs to be an entire generation made aware of this opportunity. To that end, I am working with Suffolk County Community College to establish a “Blue Collar” trade school, with a pre-apprenticeship certificate program. The goal of this program is to educate our youth about the construction trades, ensuring they are knowledgeable in this field, aware of the benefits that a construction career will offer, and most importantly, to make them eligible for work immediately after certification. This program will serve to benefit our youth, our industry, our economy, and our community.
As your elected official, I have a responsibility to advocate in Albany on behalf of our region
and those who build its future. In the past year, I have co-sponsored legislation requiring the use of project labor agreements for large-scale construction projects under the State University Construction Fund, legislation prohibiting the elimination of systems or equipment that use fossil fuels in new building construction, and legislation requiring the state Energy and Research Authority to develop recommendations regarding the establishment of electrical microgrids. Additionally, I have fought to obtain $27 million in transportation infrastructure funding for Long Island, am involved in the Suffolk County Water Authority’s Manorville Extension project, routinely meet with our local Highway Superintendents, and frequently address roadway design, maintenance, and paving issues in Suffolk County.
My construction background continues to serve as a pillar of professional strength, whether I am in Albany, or at home. Rest assured that I remain a strong advocate for organized labor in development and transportation issues and will continue my advocacy on behalf of our trade unions at every opportunity.