Local 49 hosts 1st Fuel Cost Crisis Summit

St Anthony, MN – About 40 contractors from across Minnesota and several of the state’s top lawmakers on July 09, 2008 attended the first “Fuel Cost Crisis Summit,” hosted by the International Union of Operating Engineers/Local 49.

Senate Majority Leader Larry Pogemiller, DFL-Minneapolis, was one of the policymakers who participated in the two-hour discussion aimed at finding immediate, specific solutions to the problem of skyrocketing fuel costs.

“We’re an industry in crisis, and we’re under siege,” said David Semerad, CEO of the Associated General Contractors of Minnesota.

Local 49 Business Manager Glen Johnson facilitated the Summit. He said he had hoped for a larger turnout but was impressed by the commitment of those who attended.

“Given the economic impact of rising fuel costs, I was initially embarrassed by the small number of participants who showed up,” Johnson said. “But I finished our session excited and energized… that contractors, business owners and policymakers can work together and make a difference.”

In addition to Senator Pogemiller, other state lawmakers at the Summit included: Senator Jim Carlson, DFL-Eagan, Rep. Frank Hornstein, DFL-Minneapolis, Rep. Melissa Hortman, DFL-Brooklyn Park and Rep. Ron Erhardt, R-Edina. Several of the legislators said they would support the group's ideas and initiatives at the Capitol and would be willing to write legislation that would help the industry survive this crisis. 

"It’s in all our interest to have this a viable industry and we will work with you until we do,” Pogemiller said.

Johnson said the group agreed to begin looking for additional partners inside and outside of the construction industry in the hopes of building a strong coalition. Johnson also said Local 49 will host a second Summit in the near future.