Standing up for workers, Local 49’s leadership

Standing up for workers, Local 49’s leadership called on Congress and Sec. LaHood to act now on transportation bill

Minneapolis, MN – In front of a packed house, Local 49 Business Manager Glen Johnson urged Minnesota’s federal lawmakers to take up and pass the transportation bill, which will put thousands of 49ers back on the job.

Johnson took the opportunity to draw attention to Operating Engineers’ struggles during a U.S. Department of Transportation outreach session at the University of Minnesota’s Humphrey Institute. Secretary Ray LaHood and four members of Minnesota’s Congressional delegation, including Rep. James Oberstar (DFL-Minn.) attended the town hall-style meeting to hear Minnesotan’s views about transportation issues.

“Let’s get ’er done,” said Johnson, borrowing a phrase from comedian Larry the Cable Guy to describe his frustration with Congressional delays on reauthorizing the transportation bill.

“We have qualified workers ready to start rebuilding this state’s infrastructure. But we’re not going to have them around much longer if there are no jobs. They have mortgage payments and bills and need work otherwise they’ll leave this area or industry in search of new jobs.”

With the health care debate and other issues taking priority in Washington, folks are skeptical that a transportation bill will get much traction in Congress. Quelling concerns, Secretary LaHood eagerly touted the Obama administration’s commitment to transportation and applauded Congressman Oberstar for authoring a comprehensive reauthorization bill.

Oberstar and other officials talked about the need to reauthorize this bill, calling for the creation of new jobs now and making long-term investments in our country’s future.

“When the banks needed money, they got it from Congress in a snap. Minnesota workers can’t wait any longer for jobs. I’m here on behalf of our members who need immediate action on Congressman Oberstar’s transportation bill to get back to work,” Johnson told the audience, mostly comprised of state, municipal and county transportation administrators, elected officials, community advocates and organized labor. Johnson’s comments received an enthusiastic round of applause.