The current firestorm that has erupted as a result of the enactment of the “Show Me Your Papers” law in Arizona has further enflamed the already contentious debate about illegal immigration.

Not a week goes by where I am not approached by a consortium or an individual corporation that has concrete plans for the construction of some type of major facility here in the United States.  In recent weeks, most of these proposals have centered on the construction of energy-related facilities (both traditional and renewable) here in the United States.  But, there have been many proposed manufacturing facilities as well.  And let me assure you, these are not “fly-by-night” organizations, either.  These are stable companies and, in many instances, reputable household names.

For the better part of a year now, we have witnessed the beginnings of what many political experts believe to be is an influential populist uprising in America.  Whether they are organized elements (e.g. “tea-baggers”) or some other type of loosely-organized movement, the defining feature seems to be an increasing disconnect between the problems and issues that confront Americans on a daily basis in their communities, and the misplaced priorities of our elected elite.  It is, I believe, a corrosive atmosphere that is undoubtedly gaining traction, attention and, most of all influence in American politics. 

President Ayers reflects on unemployment during the holiday season, and moving forward within the Building Trades, and as a country.

Ever since I assumed the presidency of the Building and Construction Trades Department in October, 2007, I have been very aggressive in trying to get our unions focused on “stepping out of the box” to confront a plethora of challenges – most prominently the need to establish a new brand identity for union construction that is based upon pride, performance and professionalism. 

President Ayers reflects on what Labor Day is really about.

Last week, the United States House of Representatives passed H.R. 2454, The American Clean Energy Security Act of 2009 (ACES).  The act represents America’s first comprehensive attempt to build a new, clean energy economy. It will create millions of jobs, reduce our dangerous dependence on foreign sources of oil, and mitigate the threat of global warming.

The recent debates over the U.S. auto industry bail out and the controversy surrounding the bonus compensation being paid to AIG executives illustrates a glaring, and potentially damaging, disconnect in American society today. Namely, that when it comes to making sacrifices for the good of the American economy, it’s always the blue-collar American who is asked to do most of the sacrificing.

America is in the midst of a terrible economic slump. Every day brings more grim news about tens of thousands of American workers losing their jobs. Indeed, we are facing a crisis of epic proportions.

For any organization or movement, there are pivotal moments in time that require immediate and distinct actions in order to shape one’s destiny. For America’s Building Trades Unions, we have arrived at that moment. And it is a moment that necessitates a practical imperative for positive and sustained action.

The true meaning underlying the overwhelming election of Senator Barack Obama as the 44th President of the United States can be summed up in the senator’s own words, which were offered just minutes after he was the confirmed victor: "If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible, who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time, who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer."

October is that time of year when most of us begin to feel the sharp chill in the air that says that winter is just around the corner. For some folks, October represents the beginning of the end…the threshold to the end of another year.

As always, Labor Day is a time for reflection…and a time to reconnect with our heritage, and how the values and principles for which the American labor movement stands are sorely needed today.

While many Americans – and certainly those of us whose livelihoods are tied to the battered construction industry – are dealing with the prospects of drastically lowering our expectations for a joyous holiday season, it is shaping up to be a very, very Merry Christmas for the those who work on Wall Street.

Almost two years ago, conservative members of Congress, and their sycophants in the media (or, should I say the conservative media and their sycophants in Congress) set about on a tirade over President Obama’s proposal to provide federal monetary assistance to rescue General Motors and Chrysler.  In truth, the assistance provided by the federal government actually began with the Bush Administration – but conservatives are never ones to ever let facts get in the way of their seemingly endless quest to demonize President Obama.

Employee Misclassification has become one of the fundamental pillars of the “race to the bottom” business model that is so prevalent in the American construction industry today.

With the exception of health care reform, the biggest lobbying battle taking place in Washington, DC today is over the issue of financial regulatory reform.  For Building Trades Unions, this issue has far-reaching consequences, because the U.S. construction industry is so critically dependent on the health and stability of the U.S. banking industry.

If I asked you to name the longest running war in our nation’s history, what would you say?  The Viet Nam War?  The dual conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan? Well, from my perspective I would say that the United States’ longest running war has been one waged against American workers. 

Secretary Treasurer McGarvey reflects back on the enduring legacy of Senator Kennedy

In a recent edition of Newsweek, a small business owner named Kevin Kelly opined that our nation would, indeed, be better off if we were devoid of any and all labor unions.  Mr. Kelly made this point in reference to his contention that the proposed “Employee Free Choice Act” would cripple American small businesses – in his words, “the backbone of the American economy.”  In both instances, Mr. Kelly is flat wrong.