COVID – 19 resources for Building Trades Members & the Construction Industry

The Minnesota State Building Trades Council has compiled resources related to COVID-19 that can be found here.

Resources include links to state executive orders, industry safety guidance, guides to applying for unemployment insurance and regularly updated Frequently Asked Questions that address member health and safety during the pandemic.

74th Annual Building Trades Convention Cancelled

Due to COVID-19, the Executive Board of the Minnesota State Building and Construction Trades Council made the difficult decision to cancel the 74 Annual Convention which was scheduled to be held in Rochester in July 2020. While we are disappointed that for the we will not have an annual convention, the health and welfare of our officers, board, delegates, staff, guests and communities remains our top priority. We look forward to reconvening for our 75th Annual Convention in Brainerd on July 21-23, 2021.

Remembering Building Trades Members this Workers Memorial Day

Unfortunately, this year the traditional Workers Memorial Day Observation on April 28, 2020 was cancelled due to COVID–19. We would like to take this opportunity to reflect and remember those lives that have been lost due to construction injury or illness.

This past year, the Minnesota Building Trades lost five members:

• Cory Buerke, Bricklayers Local 1
• Eric Koepp, I.U.O.E. Local 49
• Mark Olson, I.U.O.E. Local 49
• Zachary Pumper, LiUNA Local 563
• Payton Schaust, LiUNA Local 563

Our condolences go out to their families, friends, and coworkers. The Minnesota Building Trades advocates for workplace safety so all our brothers and sisters come home safe and healthy every day.

Legislative Update – Economic Recovery Through Bonding

As the end of the 2020 Minnesota Legislative Session draws near, the Minnesota Building Trades continue to advocate for the Minnesota Legislature authorize a state bonding package that can serve as part of a COVID–19 economic recovery plan for Minnesota.

There are over $5.2B in unmet need for over 500 public construction projects across our State. Even conservative estimates indicate that this level of economic investment can put tens of thousands of Minnesotans to work. A balanced approach to funding building, water and road infrastructure, and prioritizing shovel-ready projects will allow the state to maximize its bonding power to provide on-going economic stimulus to the areas of our State that will need it most.

Learn more about the Building Trade Legislative priorities here.

Elections 2020 - Building Trades Endorsements

On February 19, 2020, on the recommendation of the Minneapolis, Southeast, and St. Paul Regional Building Trades Councils, the Minnesota Building and Construction Trades Council endorsed Representative Angie Craig for a second term in Minnesota’s Second Congressional District.

On March 10, 2020, on the recommendation of the Mankato and Southeastern Regional Building Trades Councils, the Minnesota Building and Construction Trades Council announced they have endorsed Dan Feehan to represent Minnesota in the First Congressional District.

Learn more about the Building Trades endorsement process here.

COVID – 19 Construction Unemployment tracking

The number of construction trades unemployment applications dropped to 2,443 for the last week of April from a high of 6,750 during the first week of April.

For more information click here. Minnesota State Building and Construction Trades Council 651-287-9999 | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. www.mntrades.org