Twauna Hennessee, our Community Outreach Representative, attended the first-ever Federally hosted US Depart of Labor (DOL) Good Jobs Summit on June 21, 2022. Twauna was included in a panel discussion led by the DOL Women’s Bureau Director, Wendy Chun-Hoon, to discuss the importance of the inclusion of women and people of color in the union workforce. Twauna had this to say about the experience: 

“I had an opportunity to represent on behalf of the Pacific Northwest Regional Council of Carpenters at the Department of Labors “Good Jobs Summit.”  The summit focused on empowering working people by creating and supporting good-quality jobs for all workers. I shared that we are leading that charge for our members and our communities. As a result of the work that is being done, there will be equitable outcomes, where every member from every demographic will have an opportunity to reach their fullest potential! When asked why we do what we do…I responded, ‘There comes a time to just do the right thing, and that moment is upon us!’” 

The Good Jobs Summit is part of the government’s initiative to reinforce the economy and improve infrastructure. Labor unions play a prominent role in rebuilding a robust economy by providing fair wages, as well as significant hands-on involvement in providing updated infrastructure. We appreciate Twauna’s representation of Northwest Carpenters Union, and our efforts to ensure inclusion in our workforce. You can watch the recorded summit by clicking the following link: https://www.dol.gov/general/live 

United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America (UBC) 

For immediate release – 

November 6, 2021 

Carpenters Union Commends Congress, Biden-Harris Administration for Historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal

Union carpenters are ready to build back better. 

Washington, DC—The United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America (“UBC”) commends the Biden-Harris Administration, Speaker Pelosi, and the bipartisan group of elected officials who passed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act last night. 

“The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act includes the largest investment in our nation’s infrastructure in a century as well as a realistic pathway to building that infrastructure,” said Douglas J. McCarron, General President of the UBC. “This is a historic bill which unites workers, employers, Democrats, and Republicans, to grow our economy from the middle out and build the country we all deserve.” 

“By passing the infrastructure bill first, state and local governments can begin the process of allocating that money and contractors can prepare to bid those projects. At the same time, Congress can get back to work to support the other priorities of American workers, like affordable childcare and affordable medical care.” 

The United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners represents 500,000 skilled workers throughout North America. For more information on the United Brotherhood of Carpenters, please visit: www.carpenters.org 

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