Transcripts For CSPAN2 Acting 20240703

Proven to be an ally in our pursuit of progress. President joe biden in every facet of his administration is crafting pathways to build americas foundations for the future. The accomplishment he has delivered, for the working people of america, those who have historically been left behind and for theiv future of r democracy cannot be understated. After fourat years of child despite he went above and beyond. He delivered the story of pension reform, setting of millions of americans including the building trade members. He delivered with a bipartisanfr infrastructure locking the greatest Infrastructure Investment in our nations history, to build safer roads, bridges, energy infrastructure, clean water, tragic and airports, broadband and broadband across america. He didnt stop there. He make sure the provisions in this law would expand highquality marketdriven craft training so that more people can pursue their shot at the American Dream through the Building Trades. [applause] he passed permitting reform, got the fight for workers. And then with his unprejudiced chips and science investment president es biden is bringing he the Semiconductor Industry come jumpstarting thousands of Building Trades careers and funding the construction of transformative projects across america. And thanks to joe the white house has reinforced congressional intent of thehe davisbacon law for which we fought so hard and for so long. [applause] he delivered all these massive wins for america while keeping our nation safe and our economy secure through a Global Pandemic. A speaking of a massive wind, forh the first time in history we have labor standards on federal tax credits that find Clean Energy Projects in the tax code. His Inflation Reduction Act go ahead. Thats a big one. Thats a really, really big one for us. [applause] his Inflation Reduction Act delivered an investment that will address Climate Change, create jobs and ensure that hundreds of billions of dollars of work in the Energy Sector would be built with strong labor provisions. In fact, since the passage of this legislation nearly two years ago, hundreds of Clean Energy Projects have been announced across the country. For some of the project sponsors this is first in working with us in u. S. The influence of Building Trades, labor from thece administration and there alluref maximizing tax credits has motivated them to engage with us through m. O. U. S and plas. [applause] in fact, nearly every tax credit in the ira contains fivetime multiplier when projectme ownere pay apprenticeship programs. As a result our members will benefit from projects ranging from battery facilities to geothermal Carbon Capture of offshore and inshore wind, nuclear, solar and all beyond. He knows that people need to be at the top of the list when it comes to building our clean energy future. President bidens commitment to workers and innovation transcends all sectors. Let me give an example. Just one program on bidens infrastructural, the federal government is investing 7. 0 is to create hubs across the country. Some of these hubs, every federal dollar invested, wer are seeing ten times the amount in private investment coming in. You all the forked hard to ensure that our members will construct these hubs, biking and thousands of jobs in these growing industries. Ow ladies and gentlemen, you are the folks are making this happen. They people in this audience, and the once again before you, have fought for and achieved a just transition. [applause] and brothers and sisters come working with President Biden and his administration in partnership we have now finally after all these years that just transition. That, too, is built and will continue to build the offshore wind industry in this country under project Labor Agreements. Our members to measure we can deliver these Clean Energy Projects under tough markets and even tougher job site conditions. Brothers and sisters youre the builders of colossal Nuclear Plants like seven Companies Plan of which unit number four has just been completed. Our members are present in the recent phase of americas clean Energy Industry. Fromom projects like lithium mie in nevada discourse about her plans and ev charging stations across the country. The men and women of Building Trades are working from extraction to construction to the plant of the clean energy revolution. [applause] not in my lifetime have we had a president t prioritized the vale of americas skilled workers and work that they do. We see it in his policies and we also see in his people. Joe filled agencies with people who actually know the Building Trades. Martyde walsh, jessica loma, amanda lifton, amy peterson, brandon, erica, and ross tipton are just a few of the many, many to name. With the bidens new project Labor Agreement executive order, emmore than 50 projects have ben put out for bid with the pla requirement and that one agency has asked for an exemption. [applause] and there is more to come. President biden has helped the government and industry recognize the value of plas. That these agreements resolve labor issues supplies can prevent worker misclassification, improve wages and health and safety standards, ensure that largescale projects are completed on time and on budget with highest degree of quality, efficiency and safety. Now more Community Sourcing families sustaining job creation, increase a Partnership Opportunities and approved local hiring goals to transition more workers into middleclass Union Construction careers. At Apprenticeship Readiness Program requirements and plas are employing thousands when, people of color, veterans, Indigenous People in the justice involved, access to constructn careers, boosting local economies and addressing the inequities that up and felt for generations. These are all wins for all construction workers, both union and nonunion. These winds are good for fair contractors and these winds are good for american taxpayers. And these are wins for americas cities and towns come large and small, urban and rural from every part of the country. These victories are the foundations for the future and they will echo through the generations. Mark my word, the policies today that the biden and his administration and her friends in Congress Help us secure and that our local State Governments helping us implement are the bedrock upon which we will build a more prosperous and equitable future. This is an extruder time for the Building Trades. [applause] we now have Pension Funds with over 1 trillion in assets. Weve adopted private equity and labor standards. Private equity labor principles. Did you ever think you would hear that . [applause] we commend pension fund leaders like calpers in and nukes it, the treasurer for taking the lead on this initiative. We also appreciate large Pension Funds like the any bf and consultants for stepping up and friends like lone wolf and bernard for joining ouror initiative. We encourage continued investment in our union family of funds from like the aflcio Housing Investment trust and unico provide competitive riskadjusted returns for our retirement fundsnt also ensuring the projects they find are built and operated 100 union. [applause] these winds are important because behind every policy when compared every investment when there are real workers lives at stake. Your attention leadership and dedication can turn make or break the foundations we are laying. We cannot back down, we cannot slow down, we must keep fighting. We must show everyone how i work is transforming this nation, not just in iron, bricks, class andm metal but how we, the Building Trades family, are at the forefront of lifechanging good work in every community in this country. Over the past year ive traveled the country on an opportunity lifeline to her. As with the voter our model, the economic and community to government, the recruitment,ve retention and diversity advancement. We have demonstrated collaboration to maximize investments spurring billions in public and private sectors throughout america. At the stops we hear stories of our brothers and sisters in society with going to leave behind the found a home in the Building Trades. Like sierra in nashville, tennessee, who worked three deadend jobs to make ends meet, living paycheck to paycheck until she is was introduced a Partnership Readiness program. Then in a matter of weeks she went from barely staying afloat in three jobs to working one job with competitive wages and benefits from day one as a ual local 572 apprentice. [applause] seeing her smiles and pride when she talks about how she found a lifechanging opportunity pipeline in the Building Trades reminds me why we do what we do. Take shawn green, growing up in boston he dropped out of college, tried his best not to succumb to his environment. Veeventually he landed in troube with the law. Working multiple jobs that were low pay, experience racism working in the nonUnion Construction sector making 13 an hour with jobs with no benefits and questionable safety standards. He had no hope that he would ever make sustainable wages, much less full health and pension and annuity benefits. He thought not having a degree only met that he would be working for someone else who does. Hes a lock change when he met the head of the boston Building Trades at the time, our dear friend marty walsh. Editor and the building pathways Apprenticeship Readiness Program. Im happy to report, ten years later today he is a proud local 550 license journey worker, sits in the business, sits as a business agent of the boston Building Trades in the very same office that marty invited him to tell them that there was a place for him with us. [applause] like sierra and like sharper like becoming a view in a stroke of myth also found the same opportunity and now we are paying it forward. When other back and think about what was the foundational poll that changed my life, it was the people i encountered, the mentors in the Building Trades who had my back on the job, Business Managers and counselors like you and marty walsh who empowered us be the best and reminded us that we have a stronger voice when we are together. Brothers and sisters, that is why im not surprised when we are today, changing lives and at the table and every single issue facing thiss nation. The men and women who would represent are the fabric of america. We are setting up america for success, holding the strongest and smartest and safest workforce, and dave is on our side. Excuse me. Data. I promised my wife i would quit smoking. By utilizing true workforce to build the tools and collective bargaining, we are building a more robust and productive diverse workforce. The latest Research Shows unionized Construction Productivity is 14 higher and labor costs are 4 lower than the nonunion. Look at the sizable membership growth across the internationals. Look at the tension were getting from the oval office, state and local government offices, and corporate boardrooms. Brothers and sisters, our foundations taking hold. How helmets to hardhats is transitioning more active duty military servicemo members, veterans, National Guard and reservists than ever before. [applause] teaching the curriculum in correctional facilities in six states for people paying the penalty and want to change their life. 80 of our arp graduates are people ofre color, 20 are wome. Trade futures is growing Strong Community partnerships like the multimillion Dollar Partnership with the National Urban league and the department of labor. These partnerships are helping to increase access to services and support systems like childcare pilots for our members and increasing our programs that recruit more women into the trades. We are doing all we can to make it easier for women and young parents not to only come in a complete their training but to stay with us. Parents number one priority is to make sure that their children are safe, fed and taken care of while they are at work. We are looking for solutions that can help make that happen. Brothers and sisters, nabtu is taken offense approach. Thanks to great organizations like cb wr, we keep advancing health, safety and pension Retirement Security for our members. Ioio we also for prioritizing investments for workers Mental Health andin safety. Some of you saw in workshop with new job site standard certification called respect. We are committed to creating a better Work Environment fostering the brotherhood and sisterhood that binds us. Respect the work to raise the profile of the Construction Industry is a career pathway. Not just a financial choice but a better worklife choice. Workplace harassment and toxic cultures marked by bowling and verbal abuse will be addressed headon. They have no place in our unions. Sanitation on job sites will be a priority entering clean and well equipped for sows with amenities for all workers both men and women. Safety in Mental Health will not be the service. It would be a commitment. We will address substance abuse, alcoholism and provide programs to better recognize and support people, many, many people, our brothers and sisters were struggling. Contractors and others who have work with us and physical safety over the last 30 years. We know they can work with us to make our job site just as healthy and safe workers mentally as they are physically. [applause] brothers and sisters, the Building Trades is doing good things. We are change makers. In these pivotal moments among over the 39on members in our ras we must all stand united as infrastructure generation. Architects of the future, building, builders of dreams and champions of progress. As we approach the upcoming election it is on all of us to safeguard the progress we have made so far. I have been working in washington for over 25 years now. Ive seen president and members of congress both democrats and republicans come and go, who have long talked about how they were going to invest in infrastructure can rebuild america and bring manufacturing back. And nothing happened. Until this administration. Now everything has been delivered. [applause] now everything has been delivered at once by President Biden and Vice President harris and their administration. All of these wins tht stake in november. This is true. All these wins will be rolled back if we dont get our members and a found out to vote for more use of the most coworker, proBuilding Trades, prounion, proamerican president president of our lifetimes. [applause] [applause] brothers and sisters, brothers and sisters, together with the power to shape a better tomorrow with a true fighter for americas working class in the white house. Together we can deliver the infrastructure generation with foundational opportunities that a been generated by the Biden Administration and caucuses work. Spread the word in your community. Talk about a program to offer in the safe the filling careers that come with it. Get the word out about whats at stake in this 2024 election and a President Biden and Vice President harris have formed the greatest administration for working people. President biden made only one asked of us, that we ensure the women and men who have not had an opportunity for a middleclass family sustaining career sometimes the generations are lifted up in the Building Trades. He delivered for us and now lets deliver for him. Lets show him ande the world that nabtu sisters and brothers of the foundation for the future. Enjoy the conference, and god bless. [applause] [cheers and applause] thank you. Ladies and gentlemen, our first guest speakers been a friend of the trades for many years. H he has long advocated for the use of the project Labor Agreements and preach the benefits of middleclass family sustaining union jobs. From this decade spent in u. S. House of representatives to 24 years in the army National Guard, this next big is a proven outstanding leader. Now, as governor of the great state of minnesota, he continues his leadership come sonic the large infrastructure built in minnesotas history into law to rebuild roads and bridges, repair fire stations, Water Treatment plant and so much more. All while creating good paying union jobs. He uniquely understands our members and recognizes that investing in Union Workers is good for both local communities and businesses. Brothers and sisters, when the in welcoming to the Stage International leader advancing our cause, the governor of minnesota, tim walz. [applause] well, i wont back down. No, i wont back down. You can stand the up at ts of hell, but i wont back down no, i stand my ground, wont begr turned around and ill keep this world from dragging me down, going to stand my ground a note and i wont back down. No, i wont back down hey, baby. There aint no easy way out. Hey, baby. Stand my ground. And i wont back down. Ac well, i know whats right. I got just one life. Thank you. Im going to come a lot going t, come in every room like that every time. Fantastic. Its incredible to be. For the lord members, im shy about that. I know your coverages that song his campaign but he backed down. Just so we know. [laughing] he backedd down. President mcgarvey, it is my sincere hope after you saw that, i taught school for 20psi know what first payback looks like. If every american saw that speech, this race is over, i guarantee you. If they saw the speech of this race is over. He [applause] i heard you all at 3 a. M. Last night so its forgiven that you didnt catch the fir on everything i do wish are going through this room. So president thank you for all you do. Proud to be here withyt you tody practiced in which you brothers and sisters to work not just for Union Members but for all workers. Imwo proud to now have the privilege of the governor of minnesota but i come about speaking front of you honestly. For several decades i was a dues paying union sent member site stood in the seats were you sat. Probably should give you more of us as governors and members of congress, but i have to tell you, in my First Campaign for congress, and at the rate my opponent came at me and said, jim is in the pocket of organized labor. I pop like a vested that is a damn lie. I am the pocket. It seemed to me that if he was attacking me for standing up for collective bargaining for fair wages for safe working conditions, for punisher programs, for healthcare and for retirement, i would roll the dice on that thing and see how it went. It worked out pretty well. [applause] now, youou dont get elected to congress or government as being a Public School teacher. You sort have no damn money and youre pretty busy in the classroom. But ill tell you did it and theres a lot of these folks here that are scattered around the shrimp. Dan mcconnell and minnesota Building Trades with her with me from the very beginning. A absolute start from when we did this. [applause] they were not with me because of my boyish good looks and magnetic personality. They were with me because we had shared values. That we cared about the same thing, that we were there to work for working people and to see the power of what we could do with something to see. Everyone told us, oh, teacher National Guard got order, he has the unions, good luck with that. Theyve been one of the democrat since 1892 inng the congressionl district, and with a 12 a 12 year incumbent. With the help of the Building Trades we won that race. We won that race as an instrument in. Its not about winning races you can Bank Political capital for the next race. You win races you can improve peoples lives. Thats what those folks know. Thats what they do. [applause] i have to tell you, because we are good minnesota lutherans, it is on the gun talk about, it no longer counts. So what your have to do is get someone else to talk about you, think of that, mr. President , for doing things. Ill talk about the Building Trades and minnesota. Folks are not under the job folks like you that put up the extra time to do the work necessary because you know what it means, and when were able to win the election in minnesota in 2022, when we were supposed to, its something that is done in decades, we want a prounion majority in the house and senate to get this governor. [applause] so we got to work. I know some ofso you come from states you have to spend all your time fighting back right to work legislation and playing goalie. We are a hockey state but its that talks for me, im not a hockey guy, im a football guy and i like to go on offense. I said were not going to play defense. When i could be set aside for saint minnesota will never be right to work state. Thats a given. What minnesotas going to strengthen our right to collect a bargain. Minnesota was that practice of having those captive antiunion meetings, you go to jail if you do that in minnesota because you cant intimidate people. [applause] thats why those people walk in those parades. Where thes strongest wage theft was an country and with attorney general that enforces them. We pass a larger infrastructure ask in minnesota. We make sure everything green in her job were going to do is going to be a good union job. We continue to run and run and run on making these things happen. As you heard from president mcgarvey we had a hell of the partner in joe biden. I dont know, i served in congress. Someone asked me what is back in d. C. , the ms. Dingellg congres . I would rather eat glass and be in congress and telling you. [laughing] but weve got good partners. Those were here getting itt don. And they come up with the dumbest damn names. Gretchen whitmer in michigan, this right. Fix the damn roads. Thats what that villas purchass fix the roads can fix fix the bridges. Expand. We saw more money coming to minnesota at any time in her history. A couple months ago joe biden was in superior wisconsin. Those of you arere familiar with superior and duluth and the great lakes and thats the terminus, thats the western edge of the seaway. Its in a Club Important place a bridge called with and talking for decades trying totr fix. Joe biden showed up a couple months ago and delivered a billion dollars of federal infrastructure money. We putrain in 409, tony put in r him going we will have 3000 construction jobs for the next three years rebuilding that bridge. [applause] stuff. Good mr. President , you will be glad to know the first thing i did was buy the biggest damn sign we could and said, his bridge is brought you by joe biden and folks who care about lakes. [cheers and applause] youve got a president is one to put his money where his mouth is, to walk the picket line and get things done. So look, i know when i see it and in no, you are rankandfile members. I watch behind rage from solid prolabor area backcountry area that is now a tough one politically on this one. U look, you are nonpartisan. You support people who support labor. Youve done it. You find a prolabor republican, the first thing you do is take a picture of them because its like a s damn sasquatch. The second thing is, back then. Back then. Well take anybody who wants to come on board. Thats where youve been. Send them in. [applause] look, i do disagree with republicans because the republicans. I disagree becauseus theyre wrg and that the big difference to make the case. And i get it. Your rankandfile members are not super excited. We keep hearing about this because the news tells us every damn day at the people not excited about it. Pretty soon theyre not excited about it. But if youre your member say this, look, im into politics. Its their, thats your opinion but is piping to respond back to them, too damn bad. Politics is into you. So you better start figuring out what youreat going to do. How youre going to make that happen. I have to tell you, weve got to talk to our members. They cant be voted against their interest. Ill give you a free red hat if thats what it takes an full throes of things he can get it. I dont know what it takes. Fly fly, do whatever you want to do with the fact of the matter is your members who tells you they are with you and i had one of them tried this, voted against this, voted against all the federall money, spend all e time criticizing theth presiden, and wanted to show up for the ribboncutting for that bridge. Hell no, you are not showing up for that bridge today. You are not showing up for that. No. No. [applause] so look, i have the privilege not updating the chair of the democratic governors association. Theres 23 of us who represent the majority of minnesotans. It will not be a surprise to those restraints strengthening the middle class, spends right to collectively bargain, doing paid on the medical to come make sure kids have helped her, making her schools, we do something and so you think this would be anybody, this is exciting. You shouldnt get past him back for doing which is supposed to but we can at least feed her children. Our kids in minnesota now get free breakfast and lunch. Thats a good thing. They can eat. [applause] but ill tell you what the contest is. I saw this working out because of what our brothers and sisters while not in building trade we will still take in, brothers and sister down a tenancy at the uaw said no more o of this crap, we unionizing. We are going to done. No more. [applause] so what happened is six governors came out with a letter here couple days ago in those states and threatened workers. And said, if you unionize this is whats can happen. Like that wasas something new. Theyve been doing that since the beginning of time. Thats what they do. What we need to make sure is if theyre going to do that you can be damn sure that my governors are going to put out a letter and say, we are going to support you in every way we can. What you do organize. Wewe want you to unionize. And watch it in our states. [applause] so [applause] so look, you are here and you know it. I know this is preaching to the choir but the choir needs to think, now i the time for the choir to sing. Elections have consequences. If your members are struggling with this, whatever, and to make it personal, just be very clear, just like in my First Campaign, Building Trades work with me because of necessary who i was. It with me for a shared value. So dont vote for a person. Vote for what they stand for. You will see it in this election, its very clear. Someone who stands for collective art, some who stand with unions, stands with strengthening friendship programs, stands fort project labor greens, some of his making sure preventing what matters, make sure health care, our pensions are clear. So take the names off it, quit worrying about how old somebody is. Joe biden wishes hen was younger but donald trump wishes it wasnt going to chill, so its a wash. Its a wash. [laughing] [applause] so vote, vote for [cheers and applause] vote vote [cheers and applause] vote your values, stand together and i will say this. If we do that, we truly are building the foundation for then future. Thank you all. [applause] hey, baby, there aint no ey way out. Hey, yeah, i stand my ground. And i wont back down that wasnt a bad way to kick it off, right . [applause] governor walz, thank you again for all youve done for the men and women of the Building Trades of minnesota. I will go off script here. Im a glaser by trade, and [applause] and when a stored in philadelphia, the jewish community, it was one of their core businesses, and so learned some things. Most people in this room know the words. A term of endearment when a jewish person consummate tells a mention if after saying whate human being you are. And some can be trusted as a partner. Our next because spent a great ally to us and in use deparf labor. First is deputy secretary now acting secretary, consistent work with us to further efforts to support our Building Trades or businesses across this nation. Nation. Prior to can department of labor acting secretary sue, secretary sue, served as California Labor work for Settlement Agency secretary. Theres enforce workplace laws combative wage theft and should health and safety on the job. Connected telephone call to jobs and Career Pathways and measureu Unemployment Insurance and workmens compensation and paid family. Shes National Recognized expert on workers rights and civil rights is dedicated for distinguished career advancing justice on behalf of of disenfranchised committees. Brothers and sisters complete shami and giving a really bg trades welcome to the secretary of labor of the united states, julie su. [applause] rising up, back on the street did my time, took my chances went the distance, now im back on my feet just a man and his will to survive so many times, it happens too fast you trade your passion for glory dont lose your grip on the dreams of the past you must fight just to keep them alive its the eye of the tiger, its the thrill of the fight rising up to the challenge of arrival and the last known survivor stalks his prey in the night and is watching us all with the eye of the tiger [applause] gosh, thank you all so much. There is nothing like likeg trades entrance, so thank you, thank you. I always feel like when you come like that is better just to stop there and not say anything. But i very much appreciate you all having me and for that warm welcome. Thank you so much, president mcgarvey here truly, for your, not just her introduction but for your lifetime of work on half of working men and women in this country, for your leadership. To everybody on this stage. I feel the power, not just when im here for when im traveling around the country. And im very, i can imagine having better partners and all of you. I also want to give a shout out to our brother mike monroe who does tremendous work here. [applause] in washington, d. C. Its really great to see all of you in our nations capital. Since unusual traveling across the country visiting all of you. Like when he went to ua tonight in springfield oregon. [applause] thats it. When met with jeff, you hear, thank you so much for that, jeff. I met maria, a single mom who was at her local social Services Agency to apply for food stamps and medicaid when she saw a flyer for an appreciative program in the pipe trades. Now, maria told at the time she could not tell you what a pipe wrench looked like. But she went ahead and applied, and that change your life. Maria is now a proud you a local 290 member who has quadrupled her in, in the last four years. [applause] and today like so many of you in the Building Trades, she puts in hard days work and gets rewarded for it. And she gets to see the pride in her childrens eyes. Its not just maria. Across the country your union halls are bursting with new apprentices i felt the same energy when i visited the chicagoland training center. [applause] thank you so much for welcoming me there. I i felt it at the seven nevada Building Trades in las vegas with vince. From the milwaukee electrical to the ironworkers local 848 in charlotte. Theres really good reasons for all of this energy, and its not just because of our sisters and brothers in the itw, although it is you, too. Unlike the promise of infrastructure week that never happens, President Biden is investing in infrastructure decade. thats right. [applause] and that means that tradesmen and trade women have gone to work repairing roads and bridges, modernizing airports, making sure everything the turned on the faucet gets clean drinking water, and every family that powers of the computer at home has access to highspeed, reliable, affordable internet. [applause] President Biden is investing in america, and the Building Trades are building america. [applause] now, none of this happened by accident. It is happening because of all of you. Your advocacy, your solidarity, your leadership president mcgarvey, and infrastructure that you have built. I dont just mean the physical infrastructure. Not just theou impressive produs of your skills and your hands. I mean the infrastructure you put in place to make sure that every worker has their shot at the American Dream. What am i talking about . Im talking about prevailing wages, something that exists because you, the building trade, advocated and put them into law. Im talking about project Labor Agreements born out of the unions that i see here today. Im talking about registeredti apprenticeships. You made all of these thingss happen. You are not only fueling our economy with the most highly skilled, intelligent workers in the world. You have built an infrastructure that protects good pay, the jobs, and good pathways into those jobs. But i know that you know that before President Biden came into office, that infrastructure, like a physical roads and bridges, needed some serious attention. The reagan administration, some 40 years ago, upended prevailing wage laws. And just this last administration before the one currently in office was determined to weaken them even more. When President Biden came in office, we said not this time. Not on our watch. We strengthen federal prevailing wage requirement for fight the law, and forcing your vision it stronger than ever before. [applause] and today the department of labor rule protects and provides a wage floor for more than 1 Million Construction workers. [applause] and that number is only going to go up as we break ground on new projects. And for every piece of historic legislation that President Biden science can of vipers infrastructural, the chips and science act, Inflation Reduction Act, we have built prevailing wageg protections into those laws, too. Arbeit comest not just preventing well just wages. Lets talk about pla. No present history is ever required project Labor Agreements on federal construction projects. Under President Biden we said lets see what what you car watch. [applause] a couple of months ago i went to cleveland with mayor bibb, with david come with a local Building Trades. I announced a final rule that requires plas on virtually all federal contracts valued at above 35 million. [applause] in just the first three months of the new rule, the Bidenharris Administration has included more solicitation with pla requirements than in the last ten years. [applause] and you are feeling them, right . You are seeing that. That means for workers with collectively bargained wages, benefits and safety requirements. Again, we are reinforcing the infrastructure that you built. I knew all of you in the Building Trades and generations before you have been fighting for plas for over a century. And weve got to protect them and weve got to get to. People say which we do . I would say its simple. Union workers make sure that the job is done on time, on task, on budget, sometimes under budget, and thats a a good thing for taxpayers, too. [applause] lets talk about registered apprenticeships. The last administration tried to weaken those, too. They tried to say, Training Programs with the skills didnt come without wage progressions, or your own option for worker is to stay with that employer and well call it an apprenticeship. Once again we said not on our watch. Registered apprenticeships are the gold standard. They are one of the most powerful ways that workers can find their place in the middle class. We not only fought back on these fake apprenticeships, were investing big and regulatory apprenticeships. And department of labor has also invested in the partnership between the trade futures at the National Urban league. Thats a Historic Partnership to connect more communities to registered apprenticeships. In less than a year weve enrolled over 3700 people, including over 700 women and over 2500 people of color and Apprenticeship Readiness Programs. [applause] this is what it looks like. In ohio with helping veterans get good paying construction jobs. In milwaukee and new york trade futures offers childcare so working parents can join the building trade. In north dakota we started the first ever free Internship Program with the tribal college. And its absolute essential that great theseto pathways for all of americas workers. I know this is something all care about. Opportunities for good jobs are all communities. Last you and that sherry from north carolina. She hasen been doing hvac work r a decade. She takes pride in what she does, but she told me that never and all her time as she worked with another woman and maintenance, much less another black woman. Sowo together we are saying, not this time, not on our watch. Today, President Bidens the stored federal investment or creating opportunities that will draw from this talent of all of americas workers. And i see you leading the way, president mcgarvey. It is been so exciting to see trade women build nations, bigger each year. I think was like 4000 this last year,gh right . [applause] i also want to commend nabtu and each union on this stage for your new respect Certification Program to create better working environment for men and women in every craft. Im eager to hear more as we implement that program. Im also thinking of president Jimmy Williams who h has brought more women andht people of color into the union. [applause] and the sheet metal, air, rail and transportation worker who setpo a goal to double the numbr of women in smart during the 2019 convention. [applause] in places like atlanta, if you hear aussie a couple of days, too, where state and local labor leaders are working together to make sure Good Union Jobs are available to every single community. The ability toth join the union, the availability of registered friendship, the axis a lifechanging job, these should not depend on the zip code in which you were born with the circumstances in which he grew up. And whether thats right. [applause] and whether a good job is, whether a job come in the is goodn union job shouldnt depend on the industry you working either. As industries grow and change, we know that we have to be vigilant about the kind of jobs that we are creating. You know and i know what happens if we allow industry to cut costs off the backs of working people. As soon as President Biden took office, electric vehicle sales up and undress. As a presence it was going to make things in america again. And with the help of President Bidens investing in america agenda, nearly 300 electric vehicle battery manufacturing facilities have been announced. And the department of labor together with our sister Agencies Department of education in energy, we created a National Standard for registered apprenticeships inti the battery manufacturing industry. Ry and i say that because this means that new vending industry are also built on the foundations that you all have built. Again, none of this work to registered apprenticeships to making sure that you and your members are the ones for building america, none of that happened by accident. I talked about what you have done. I want to say also it happen because President Biden promised to be the most proworker, prounion president in history. [applause] and and were delivering on that promise. Its not just a talking point. Its what drives our work. Its a combination of having union joe in the white house and the building trade show them how to do it right, thats a powerful one. So i love hearing your stories and do i go and just going to share one last one. Rose evans s was struggling to provide for her kids when she started and up and ship a journey worker with the sheet Metal Workers union. Her daughter saw just how much a good union job met, so she enrolled in a preapprenticeship program that was funded by the department of labor, and today mom, rose comes working on her second project funded under President Bidens investing in america agenda. D and this one is in kokomo where she works alongside her daughter. Right. [applause] so im going to close with something you all know very well. We are not just talking about jobs. Were talking about careers. Were talking about building intergenerational wealth. We are talking that families going from just getting by to getting a real shot at home ownership, pride, security, at time off, and some breathing room. And that is whats possible when we invest in workers. And we are not done yet. This prounion proworker president is going to keep investing in allid american workers, and all american committees. In every corner of america and we cannot do this work alone. Alongside all of you we are going to keep at it, keep on saying this is our time, and on our watch lets keep making history. Lets keep the building. Thank you so, so much for having me here. U [applause] the eye of the tiger, the cream of the crop. The last known survivor facetoface, out on the heat hanging tough, staying hungry secretary sue, think again for your tireless efforts on behalf of working people in america. Now, before we get into our next piece of business, ive been around for a while i want to take a personal point of privilege. And tell me a funny story. It wasnt funny at the time but in 2015 some of your newsroom were probably at nabtus convention in atlantic city, new jersey. We had a dais like this and im sure all you in the most people remember bill was the presence of the ua at the time. And we had our election. It was my first time getting elected by convention, the president of north americas building trade unions. Once that was completed, kinsey ran the election. I get up there and i think everybody, and brent was my partner, i think him. I sat back down in my chair is the process went on and bill leaned over to me and said, god, what asshole you are. And they said what . What . He said you do not think your wife. You think anybody in the room and you didnt think your wife . He said you better find a Jewelry Store and you better find when quick. And they did elevate a something, diamond earrings are beautiful. She still looks great in them. [laughing] audit whats that about in the film as a spouse that helps them do our jobs. We all understand the long hours, the travel, the long nights representing the interests of our members and none of this would be so successful without thee support at home. And i have a double because my wife actually does his business, and it just would like my wife to stand for a second and be recognized. [applause] yeah, proud member of local six 02. My first love, my nephew, my father, the mensch of our family. Jack mcgarvey. Thanks for all the support over the years. [applause] are right. I would like to take a moment to thank those of you who got their hands dirty and after the call of action today with service, teffort yesterday. Were going to roll a slideshow. Giving back to the community is what we do. We appreciate you volunteering at the national mall, the Armed Services retirement home, and the district of columbia dingman and heritage island yesterday. Lets take a moment to applaud our brothers and sisters. [applause] is highly the work yesterday while he being shown were going to go in and draw the first of our two volunteer sweepstakes winners. Our first two met when he will gift card. Brandon, would you please pull a two names. Here comes the fun part where i butcher peoples names. Cedric sommerville. Cedric sommerville. [applause] and our second winner is karen weise. Please make your way to the right and steps to the stage and receive your gift. Congratulations to you both. Remember, tomorrow afternoon we will be pulling the winning ticket, major grand prize for the day of service. Ladies and gentlemen, our next speaker is the 50th mayor of cleveland, 5 ohio, justin bibb. Since taking office two years ago mayor bibb has build a strong relationship with the Building Trades of cleveland. And his been advocate and support of project Labor Agreements. He has committed to putting people in neighborhoods first. Delivering highquality City Services and leading to bold change as he works to build a a stronger and safer cleveland for all residents. Mayor bibb also serves as chair of the National Bipartisan Coalition Climate mayors and Vice President of the democratic mayors association. Please welcome to the stage from cleveland, ohio, mayor justin bibb. [applause] and no Mountain High enough, and no valley low enough. Aint no river wide enough to keep me from getting to you, babe i set you free, i told you you can always count on me from that day on i made a vow ill be there when you want me someway, somehow because, baby, there aint no Mountain High enough aint no valley low enough aint no river wide enough to keep me from getting to you, babe all, no, darling no wind, no rain or winters cold and stop me, baby. No, no, baby could you are my goal if youre ever in trouble ill be there on the double just sent for me, oh, baby. My love is alive way down in my heart although we are miles apart if you ever need a helping hand ill be there on the double just as fast as i can thank you so much. Thank you so much. First, i want to shout out our president of cleveland Building Tradesen coalition, dave. Lets give a round of applause if we can. His music selection, but you t an a plus with that song, so we are in good shape. Ladies and gentlemen, good morning, and thank you for the opportunity to address you today. Im justin bibb, mayor of the great city of cleveland, ohio. Thats right. And i am so honored to stand before this esteemed gathering of skilled all of you, all of you and the more than three million professionals that nabtu represents, plays a role in shaping every aspect of our landscape and infrastructure. Your dedication to excellence and commitment to your craft are the pillars upon which cleveland and the nation stand. Your expertise and skill are evident in every structure that dots our skyline and every road that connects our neighborhoods. Your dedication to quality and safety ensures that the buildings you construct will stand the test of time and serve generations to come. I stand here today not just as a mayor, but as a partner and strong advocate for the Building Trades. [applause] you see, your work is not just about constructing buildings and roads, it is about building communities, creating opportunities and crafting the future of our great city. Together we have the power to make a Lasting Impact on the lives of our residents and the vibrancy of our neighborhoods. The theme for this years conference, foundations for the future, is sitting in more ways than one. The work that you do is not just about bricks and mortar, its creating homes with familiar miss, schools for children and spaces for communities to come together. Now, these spaces are foundational. They are the Building Blocks of our neighborhoods and our cities. And this organization has also laid the foundation for policies that will recruit and retain workers to the Building Trades from all walks of life, creating opportunities for middle class, family standing jobs and the Construction Industry for decades to come. And i know this firsthand. My uncle, who served prison time for a robbery, paid his time, came back to our home in the Southeast Side of cleveland and didnt know how he would find a way back to his path to achieving the American Dream. It was the Building Trades that gave him a quality shot at life. [applause] this organization. This organization. You see, your advocacy creates opportunities for hardworking people to bring the American Dream within reach and build generational prosperity and mobility and our president , president joe biden, has done more probably than any president in American History to create good paying jobs in cities like cleveland all across this great nation. [applause] and nowhere is this more real than in cleveland, ohio. When we had the covid19 pandemic come to our city, it was the American Rescue plan that gave americas mayors the opportunity to put real money in our neighborhoods. Ill give you one example. Right now in cleveland, we are so close to creating over 400 Building Trades jobs and finally close the Digital Divide in cleveland, ohio, with ivw at the table. [applause] and as the president described this work perfectly, this time last year at this very conference last april. The folks in this room are leading what President Biden calls the blue collar blueprint to rebuild america. Growth and manufacturing creating the jobs. A growing economy, increasing innovation, massive investment in infrastructure and at this very moment, we are witnessing the react evaluation of once forgotten cities and towns all across america and from my Vantage Point as a mayor, the momentum is just beginning. The chips act paved the way for 10,000 jobs, including 7,000 construction jobs in columbus, and central ohio. [applause] thats right. Oh io. There we go. And helping afford new and used electric vehicles and make updates to their homes to help mitigate the impact of Climate Change and of course, the historic bipartisan infrastructure laws its helping to eliminate lead Service Lines to ensure Safe Drinking Water for our children. City wide broadband and infrastructure and options and theres so much more in the pipeline. These progressive policies benefit all of us and were grateful for your advocacy and the tremendous impact that it has. Its union, unions reduce disparate in income inequality and stand guard against policies that work against hurting people and strengthen families through better wages in food, civics and participation. All of these activities serve to strengthen our democracy. And everyone, everyone in this room knows what it takes to make sure we meet this moment once and for all. Now [applause] i dont have to tell you that the threat of a leader who promises to stand with workers, but does exactly the opposite is very real. The threats of cuts to programs that working and middle class americans count on is real. The threat of losing ground on hard fought progress coming out of the pandemic is real. And we all know that we cannot afford to go backward. As we look to the future, we face both challenges and opportunities. The demand for affordable housing, sustainable infrastructure and labor is greater than ever before. But i believe that together we can see these challenges for the opportunities they are and build a Brighter Future in cities nationwide. [applause] in cleveland, weve worked collaboratively with our cleveland building and Council Towards a city that includes a resilient and prosperous for all interested. The cleveland building and Construction Trades Council is an Umbrella Organization more than 29 local unions working in the Construction Industry across. These unions represent more than 10,000 highly skilled and highly trained workers working with developers, building owners contractors, and individuals who rely on a productive and professional work force. Im committed to working in tandem with the Building Trades to address the challenges and seize the opportunities that lie ahead. Together we can create new path ways to economic prosperity, expand opportunities for job training and assure that the developments are shared equitably among all our residents. [applause] in closing, i want to express my deepest gratitude to each and every one of you for your hard work, your dedication, and passion for your craft. Your contributions to cleveland and to the nation are invaluable and im honored to partner with you in building a stronger, more vibrant city for everyone. And i know, we will continue to Work Together shoulder to shoulder to create beacons of opportunity and progress for future generations. Americas mayors are with the Building Trades every step of the way. [applause] so congratulations, god bless you all, god bless our great country. Thank you so much. Aint no Mountain High enough aint no valley low enough to keep me from getting to you, baby remember the day i set you free, i told you could always count on me, girl from that day on i made a vow, ill be there when you want me some way, some how baby, there aint no Mountain High enough aint no valley low enough aint no river wide enough, to keep me from getting to you, babe oh, no, darling no wind, no rain thank you, mayor, what an amazing job youve done and continue to do on behalf of the working people of cleveland. Brothers and sisters in the fall of 2016 the governing board started our Capital Strategies program to focus on better organizing our members money to assure that every responsible investment was made to maximize our resources and to put money to work in ways that simultaneously created union jobs. With that work weve deepened our partnership with public Pension Funds and state treasurers across the country, illinois, state treasurer michael ferris, in his role, actively manages 56 billion and taken Office Nearly a decade ago, hes earned illinois taxpayers through safe and smart investing. And menging over 26 million. And a year ago, we convened a call with Union Activists and people. In december of 23, 75 million allation to the treasure fund. He was recognized unanimously, and the bipartisan controllers and treasurers and president of the National Association of state treasurers in 23. With that said, please join me in giving a very warm welcome to illinoiss treasurer. [applause] money, money, money, money money, money, money, money some people got to have it some people need it lets hear it for the treasurer of the state of illinois. [cheers and applause] thank you. Good morning good morning. Thank you members bishop and the governing board. I would not be here without your support. By that, i mean i wouldnt be standing here without the support of organized labor throughout my life. My father was a member of steamsters local 26 for 45 years. [applause] my mother retired as a member of afscme local 31 and i stand here today because union wages put food on our table. [applause] and Union Health Care benefits paid the hospital bills. When i was hit by a car riding my bike at age 13. And a Union Pension means that my father and mother were able to retire without having to rely on my brothers and me for support. And i want to thank President Biden for Convincing Congress to stabilize pension plans, including the one that supports my dad. [applause] now, my family will tell you that the Building Trades, the unionized Building Trades are still vital to america. And my brother james believes it, too. So much so that hes completed two apprenticeships with both the operating engineers and the carpenters. Still, my friends, my brother got a job at the university of illinois. They had good benefits and he had to go through a second apprenticeship for that job. No, but i tell you i also have uncles and cousins with the laborers, yes. With the iron workers. Electricians. Plumbers. And family in a bunch of other different unions. Yay cant be everything to everyone. As a teamster, my dad hauled rock and asphalt to work sites across illinois. He worked hard and long hours and took his showers when he got home not before he went to work before dawn. We never took summer vacations because summer is when he worked. A few of you know how that works. And my Political Organization has been with me every step of the way. During an internship with southwestern illinois Building Construction trade that an iron worker first encouraged me to run for office and he made calls to make sure i received endorsements of the aflcio. I was eventually elected to the state senate and passed bills and infrastructure projects. While i was serving in the senate aapproached by michael kerrigan, ibew, and told me i should run for treasurer. Just like i was encouraged to run for the state house, i wasnt expect today win. My opponent was a republican leader in the state house, he had the money, he had the establishment, but i had the backing of working families and organized labor. [applause] they funded my campaign on knocked on doors. The election in 2014, a very bad year for democrats. Our democratic governor went down to defeat, but i won. Its not just union money and boots on the ground that have been important to my election, but its union values. My dad believed in buying quality. He believed in buying things that were built to last and taking care of them. Whether that was clothes that would hold up while working construction, or in his vehicle. Look on the screens here, hopefully weve got a picture. This is my dad. He had a ford f100 pickup truck that he loved and he spent hours polishing and you see thats me on the back there as well. He spent showers polishing and waxing that truck and i would often help them. He taught me and my brothers how to take care of things. He had as had his current dodge pickup truck for 25 years and thats him standing in the bed of the truck. He also took care of his international semi. He owned it for 28 years, put over a million and a half miles on it and thats him climbing into the cab for the last time before he sold it. [applause] that truck was built to last and he took care of it. Unfortunately, too many people today think we live in a disposable society, use something once and then they throw it away. Or it breaks and they throw it away, but my dad caught me to think differently. Taught me to invest in things that are built to last and to take care of them. When we think differently, we find solutions that others cant or wont. The men and women of organized labor understand that we are stronger when we stand together. In the buildings trades, know that its important. When we build things that theyre built to last. I have applied this way of thinking to my job as state treasurer. When we invest, we know that we have a larger voice when we speak together. I have worked with many of your Pension Funds to directly confront this disposable culture and insist that in america, our strategy is built to last. When we invest in companies, were owners. And as owners we have a voice that cannot be ignored. When Marathon Petroleum locked out their unionized workers in minnesota and tried to replace them with scabs, we knew that that was a bad business strategy. Trade treating your skilled work force like theyre disposable is a recipe for disaster. Management might try to increase cuts the next quarter, but we dont care about quarters, we care about the next quarter century. [applause] if we Want Companies to be around and valuable when the members are ready to retire, join together with the labors and teamsters and other democratic treasurer to demand that marathons management come back to the table. See, individually, we may not have a lot of shares, but collectively we cannot be ignored. [applause] when Berkshire Hathaway decided they would select the contractors to build pipelines in the midwest by using a reverse auction, we were appalled. Pipelines. If anything should be built to last, its critical infrastructure. And management was treating the labor to build this investment as if they were disposable. We joined with the ua, with the laborers, with other Democratic State treasurers and other Union Pension plans and we objected. We may not win every fight, but were not afraid to sit across the table from ceos to make sure they use Skilled Labor and build projects to last. If you build it right the first time youll save costs in the long run. [applause] we also thought differently about my office. When i took office we were paying over 800,000 to lease space in two different buildings. We wanted to bring all of our employees together in one building. We wanted to own it. And we found a building that no one else wanted. We saw potential that no one else did. And we got a very good deal. We brought everyone together under one roof and wanted to make sure it would last well beyond my years as treasurer. To do that we used union labor. [applause] we used union labor to renovate it, to make it more efficient, ada accessible and modern fire codes and its less to operate than the leases we were paying and saving money every year and did all of them with complying with preservation needs from lincoln bank. Abraham used a bank in a building. And every contractor and subcontractor when we bit a roughly 5 million project and i think that lincoln would be proud. [applause] i think lincoln would be proud because he once said, quote, i am glad to know that theres a system of labor where the laborer can strike if he wants to and i would to god that such a system prevailed all over the world. [applause] today our building is the envy of the rest of the State Government and all of the work to make it that was done by your members and because we built it right, it will last for decades more. We also thought differently about our unclaimed property department. See, for decades we returned money to individuals in our state, but when i took office, the folks in illinois would know this, at the same time that antiunion governor declared war on organized labor. Now, i know the war is costly. So, we prioritized finding money for unions and today returned roughly 3. 1 Million Dollars in missing money to various Building Trades. [applause] pay out range from over 1 million to the ua, down to as little as 3. 55 for teamsters local 710. It doesnt matter how big it is, its your money and it should be back into your accounts because we know that getting money into your accounts does a lot more good for the working men and women of our state than it does sitting in a bank vault in springfield. [applause] so i am the chief Investment Officer for the state of illinois and my predecessors invested a certain way for decades and we thought differently. Ive seen Pension Funds and investing in ppp projects and make money doing it. I knew that we could not only make money for the state, but we could make our states more competitive and we would put people to work in the process. And we worked with the operating engineers, the laborers and several other trade unions to pass legislation and create a first in the nation Infrastructure Fund under a state treasurer. [applause] in illinois we now have a 1. 5 billion dollar fund dedicated to making investments in roads and bridges and in communications infrastructure, alternative energy, Public Housing and much more. But if were going to build it, we should build it to last. We wanted that message heard by anyone who wanted our money. And i was proud to deliver that message when i announced that our first 75 Million Dollar investment was with the Union Labor Life insurance company. [applause] thank you, brian. You see, our economy wont be solid if we just develop apps and video games. America needs to build. We know it in illinois. And i think you need to share that message in your state. You can make money, you can make your states more competitive and you can put people to work. If you would like to see this kind of investment in union built projects in your state, let me tell you, it is possible and we stand ready to share our blueprint. You need to reach out to your treasurer, your representatives, and senators and ask them to think differently. You need to ask them to invest in union built infrastructure, but remind them that when they build it, make sure that it is built to last. [applause] now, ill end by saying were going to build for the longterm in illinois, but in order to do that we need to work hard on elections this fall. We win when we give people good jobs with good wages and joe biden understands that, thats why he passed the bipartisan infrastructure act using Union Laborers to rebuild ohare airport, the mississippi rivers locks and dams and projects like these throughout america. In fact, im going to the white house to participate on the discussion of strong labor principles when investing. It doesnt have to be like this. It reminds you of the alternatives. Does anyone here remember donald trump in his infrastructure weeks that never built a thing . Yeah, do you remember how his department of labor was hostile to unions . I do, and i dont want to go back to that. Joe biden gets it. He is the first president in American History to walk a picket line. [cheers and applause] joe biden gets it. He may be viewed by some people as old, but thats not a reason to throw him away. Like my father taught me he has a lot of good miles in him and hes been there for us, and its our time to do our part like my father taught me, we need to work to take care of his legacy because together well keep rebuilding this country and together well build it to last. Thank you for all youve done for me and thanks for all youre going to do this fall. [applause] thank you, mr. Treasurer. Theres very few people in this hall today that could stand next to Michael Monroe and look at each other eye to eye and thats a tall drink of water right there with that treasurer. Thank you, mr. Treasurer for the benefits youre doing, families in illinois and across america. Ladies and gentlemen, before our next speaker, id like to take a moment for another conference that we host every year. The trades women build nations. Trades, thats right. Trades women build nations have quickly become one of our proudest accomplishments. One of the Worlds Largest annual gathering of Building Trades members and the largest building trade event that occurs on a yearly basis regardless of gender. [applause] which means its bigger than this conference. Last fall, we hosted it right here in this hotel and let me tell you, we had to turn away, 750 women who wanted to register because there wasnt enough room and the fire marshal would have shut us down. Like nothing ive seen before. Nearly 4,000 from the u. S. And canada packed this room to the brim and displayed incredible solidarity and sister hood. Lets take a moment to look at the highlight video from 2003. Roll the video, please. Ladies, friends, welcome to the 2023 trades women build nations conference. [cheers] the energy here is electric. I dont know of another conference like this. The future of the Building Trades is in this room right now. Solidarity and strength and sisterhood is not just a tag line, its a way of life. Make some noise and this morning, we have over 3,787 trades women and allies registered. I had a dream that some day id be in a room where i was not the minority. I just woke up from my freaking dream. This is amazing. And thats who we are today because of you. Women are building the future. So are we ready to take that future head on . Women in the union, keep it up, nothing can stop us. Its a life style. We are family. You might be the only one on yours, but youre not alone. We dont agonize, we organize, we unionize. [applause] as you can see, this conference is a cantmiss experience. Some of our sisters who make up the naptu trades committees are here this week. And more women in our ranks and drive positive change in our industry. This fall, trades women build nations will be held in new orleans, louisiana from september 27th to 29th. Conversation information will be available on our website in the coming months and we encourage you to help the trades women within your ranks to attend this amazing conference. Now you heard our last speaker, made a few comments about Corporate Leaders and how difficult some of them are to deal with and this is off script, but i tell you this gentleman, this guy, this man that comes out of a coal mining family isnt your regular ceo. Hes a friend and a brother. Brothers and sisters, our next speaker is chairman, president and chief executive officer of Alabama Power company. Jeff peebles. Alabama power and Southern Company true friends, true friends to the Building Trades. They work hand in hand with our members to provide electricity more than 1. 5 billion customers across the great state of alabama. A pillar between building a strong relationship between Alabama Power and nabtu. Not only understands the union labor, but continue to place great value in the voice of workers. His time in the industry has only increased the safety efforts and expanded more women and apprenticeship for the future where he sits on the boardment as we ask him here today, a true ambassador for management, willing to spread the word in the rooms that he has the opportunity to be in and we dont, the benefits of having a good, strong Labor Management. Brothers and sisters give a very warm welcome to a true friend of north america Building Trades, mr. Jeff peebles. Roll tide applause . How is everybody doing today . When i saw up on the screen that sean and i were dressed the same. I didnt want you to think were dopplegangers, and somebody laid our clothes out. Also, do i have anybody from alabama today . Roll tide, roll tide. Ive got something for you later on. Let me say, im humbled and honored to be here because sincerely ive been working in the Energy Industry for 40 years and this is one of the try highlights and joist joys of my life. And let me say on behalf of Southern Company, and chris, and Alabama Power, georgia power, Mississippi Power and Southern Company gas, thank you. Because we understand without the north american Building Trades, we cant be successful. We also understand without the north american Building Trades, the Energy Industry and the nation cant be successful. Our success lies in the relationship with this governing board. This secretary treasurer and this president because when we need help lets give them a hand, thats right. [applause] when we need help constructing, maintaining or building, we turn to the Building Trades and we get the job done together. You help us power over the homes and communities. We have nine million customers across our entire footprint and because of your hard work, dedication, were able to serve them. So, again, from the bottom of my heart and you know, i know weve had many people coming up and many people talk and today you may hear somebody thats smoother than me, but youre not going to hear anybody who wants to be here more than me today who wants to share success with you. I guarantee that. [applause]. Ive known president mcgarvey and secretarytreasury bishop for nearly a decade and consider them friends and brothers. A wise man told me through Good Business comes good friends. This friendship was established years ago in my back yard a time or two and on behalf of southern, it was long before i was doing Labor Relations for southern, the relationship was built long before i was the ceo of Alabama Power and i also want to let now that this friendship will continue for years to come. Thank you, appreciate you. [applause] you know, working together, Southern Company and the Building Trades have developed, in my opinion, the strongest Labor Management partnership in the country. You know why . We share commitments, safety, training, and one of the things that i love is focusing on unions manhour growth and the other thing i feel so good about the unparalleled trust that we have across this governing board along with the president and secretary treasurer. These people care and these people work with us about growing union jobs. Lets give them a hand again. [applause] im going to run through this quickly, Alabama Power, one of the three southern companies, electric companies, 1. 5 million customers, 40 coal, 30 natural gas and 30 clean energy. About 6,000 employees, of which 40 are members of the International Brotherhood of electrical workers, ibew, applause its an honor to work with you. I was going to say it, but everybody in the back said i could do what i wanted. I should have known that. These employees help us provide clean, safe, reliable and affordable to our customers and communities and Alabama Power is part of the greater Southern Company system, were focused on building the future of energy. We have seven electric and natural gas communities serving the states and number one most admired electric and gas company by forbes. Were very proud of that. [applause]. And one of the primary reasons for that in total 28,000 employees and 9,000 of them are members of the ibew, again, thank you. [applause] you know, Southern Company how we do work is just as important as what we do and for us it all starts with safety. We know that our work has risk and we collaborate with our employees to manage those risks by focusing on a culture of transparency, learning and empowering every employee with the authority to stop work whenever its needed. Theres nothing more important than our employees and your members returning home safely every day. And im going to tell you were committed to doing everything we can. [applause] were committed to doing everything we can to enhance our Safety Culture and provide the resources needed to keep our people safe. And just like all the other things we do about maintaining and constructing, what do we do . We turn to the Building Trades to work with them, to work with you guys to make sure we stay at the forefront and we share in the responsibility and we must have a personal commitment to safety. Its our responsibility. I spoke earlier about the leadership we have with organized labor and Southern Company leadership, and ceos along with president mcgarvey and the governing board of president s we meet twice a year, were proactive and intentional when it comes to growing union jobs and its because of the forward thinking of president mcgarvey and your governing board of president s that were able to create a national Labor Agreement and maintenance and modification agreement we use across the southern footprint. This agreement is expanded to cover most of our plants, if not all. And even our construction projects. Because of that agreement today, our threeyear average for all labor is 52 million man hours. 65 of that is you guys. And this is something that i im especially proud of for our contractors, because of this agreement, and because of this partnership, thats the equivalent of 10,000 additional fulltime jobs for Union Members every year. [applause] and what makes that even more important is that in the states that we live in, the industry average is usually around 10 . Because of the relationship that we have and because of the forward thinking thats gone on here, that has occurred in the southeast, so working in the Energy Industry, im familiar with the real and perceived impacts that Clean Energy Transition has on working families so when it comes to staffing, i know that theres differences between generation types, around the number of employees needed to construct, maintain and operate an asset. We all are and we will continue to have a measured and responsible approach to transitioning, providing dependable power and energy at the forefront of our minds and working with employees assuring that everyone who continues to work with us, had the opportunity and training necessary for the jobs in the future. We know it can be done and our fleet transitions, well continue to do that with you all and proud as the ceo of Alabama Power, during none of the transition and anything that occurred that any of member of the ibew been replaced one time. So im proud of that. [applause] in addition were continuing to identify opportunities for manhour growth across our system because we know when we grow, it creates jobs and Economic Growth in our communities and we partner with the ibew on new and emerging efforts to help with any displacement of workers, things by having the first connectivity crew in america. Which handles all aspects of fiber installation, from makeready work to intermittent cables, and in the past couple of years weve been able to make meaningful manhour growth gains. Let me emphasize when thats important. We, us at Alabama Power, we know when we work with the Building Trades, we do it safe and effective and we all thank you for that. [applause] back in november we were excited to announce the commercial operation of a new 726 megawatt cycle in mobile, alabama because of the dedication and hard work of our employees, the contractors and the men and women of the north american Building Trades that the project was completed on budget and on schedule and as the new ceo, i was very, very happy that that first project did that. We came in on budget and on schedule, 60 miles north of that. Another Company Building a sister unit to that. The exact same unit with a different work posture was not on schedule and not on budget. Give yourselves a hand because thats value on display every day there. Thats money. [applause] and let me say this right here, this is one of the great things about getting to be in this position. One of the commitments that ill continue to make going forward, if were going to build it in alabama were going to build it with you and build it with union labor. [applause] you may have seen the headlines over in wanesboro, georgia that weve had work going on to build the nuclear constructed units in 30 years. The plant with commercial operation in july, providing safe, reliable, emissionfree energy over 5,000 homes and businesses. This month, unit four achieved 100 power and is in the process of completing final testing before commercial operation. Going to play a significant role in supporting us and Southern Company in our goal for net zero Carbon Emissions by 2050. Its success would not be possible without the leadership of president Sean Mcgarvey and at that time, secretary booker, who has gone on to another role and current secretary brandon bishop. During this project, brandon and i worked together in a lot of different times and hours and spent so much time over there they bought braves jerseys and paid georgia taxes. Thank you. We had a Global Pandemic while we were trying to build it, but it was the largest job producing construction project in georgia with over 9,000 workers. Because of our Strong Partnership and shared commitments to safety, our people, we stood up a Medical Clinic together. This, along with other efforts, kept our employees and your members willing and able to come to work every day. As a result, the Plant Construction site well leave this program here to take you live to a discussion on the upcoming