Jobs on the Agenda for 49ers’ Second Annual Lobby Day

On its second annual Lobby Day at Minnesota’s state Capitol, more than two hundred 49ers met face-to-face with their legislators pitching a simple message: Put us back to work!

“Our voices need to be heard, and there’s no more effective way to let lawmakers know that we need jobs now than to meet with them in person,” Glen Johnson, Local 49’s business manager.

Busses brought Local 49 members to the Capitol from all over Minnesota. The Iron Range, Duluth, Mankato, Rochester, and St. Cloud offices all had strong showings. Local 49’s training center also bussed down a number of young apprentices to participate. For many of these young workers, it was their first trip to the Capitol. As part of the lobbying effort, 49ers jammed a tax committee hearing to show their support for the vertical construction JOBS bill.

“Last year I made $8,400 on a construction salary and supported my family doing odd jobs and collecting unemployment… I don’t want to draw unemployment. That’s no way to live,” Jim Brumfield, an Operating Engineer from Kasson, told the House Tax Committee. “We need work, please help us out.”

Allies in legislature urged workers to continue telling lawmakers about their personal experiences during the economic downturn.

“Don’t sugarcoat what you’ve been through. Your stories can make a difference,” said House Speaker Margaret Kelliher (DFL-Minneapolis). “We need to create more jobs, and your personal stories can make a difference. If you’ve been out of work and are struggling to support your family, let lawmakers know what you’re going through.”

Forty-niners are supporting several pieces of job-creating legislation that will fund critical building that includes road and bridge construction, non-ferrous mining projects, the Mall of America expansion, and a new Vikings’ stadium. The JOBS bill will also create tax credits to stimulate business development and vertical construction.

“The time for talking is over. We need jobs, now,” said Jason George, Local 49’s political organizer. “When construction workers are on the job, they’re paying taxes, they’re not on the unemployment rolls, and they’re spending money in their local communities.”

“Look out the window. Everything you see was built by people like us,” Brumfield told legislators. “We’re the backbone of the Minnesota economy, put us to work so we can continue to support and build this state’s future.”

Despite all the set backs and fight for jobs, many 49ers remain optimistic.

“Yea, we’re down on our knees but we’ll get back up!” said Tim Barton, an operating engineer.