Rally at the Boston State House endorsing PLA (Project Labor Agreement) Legislation

2024

2023

Rally at the Rhode Island State House to Support Bill H5902 and End Wage Theft

The National Work Zone Awareness Week

Let’s all do our part to keep our roads safe. Slow down and stay alert when driving through work zones. We're showing support for road workers everywhere by promoting work zone safety.

This National Work Zone Awareness Week we remind everyone to ALWAYS engage in safe driving practices when approaching a work zone. The men and women keeping our roadways safe for us deserve the same in return - this week and every week.

2023 Construction Season Kickoff at the I-95 Resurfacing Project at the I-95 North Welcome Center in Richmond, RI

Spaziano Annex School Topping Off Ceremony

BUILDING FUTURES GRADUATION

Congratulation to the Building Futures Graduates, March 31, 2023.

PROVIDENCE – The Fane Tower saga has officially ended.

NY Times Article on RI Off Shore Wind

Dan York State of Mind

2/10/23 Michael F. Sabitoni

President of the Rhode Island Building Trades, Michael F. Sabitoni joins Dan Yorke to discuss the status of the construction and trades industries, as well as proposed and ongoing projects in the state.

INNOVATOR Q&A: Tackling the opioid crisis from within the construction industry

Accidental overdoses have been on the rise in Rhode Island, where data around the opioid epidemic has been trending in the wrong direction for the last several years.

Click the Link below for the full article.

Brown commits to all-union labor, Building Futures support on construction projects over $25 million

Deepening its economic impact and commitment to supporting construction careers for local residents, Brown signed a labor agreement with the Rhode Island Building and Construction Trades Council and Building Futures.

Big Brothers Big Sisters

Halloween Big Walk

VOTE YES - BOND KICK OFF

MICHAEL SABITONI

GET OUT THE VOTE RALLY

TWIN RIVER, EVENT CENTER

R.I. Governor Democratic Primary Debate Rally at RIC

EVENT IN SUPPORT OF

WITH SPECIAL GUEST GINA RAIMONDO

RI Officials Break Ground on Rt. 146 Project

NORTH SMITHFIELD, R.I. (WPRI) — Gov. Dan McKee joined state and local leaders Friday morning to kick off the 2022 construction season.

McKee, Sens. Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse, and Rep. David Cicilline joined R.I. Department of Transportation (RIDOT) Director Peter Alviti at 11 a.m. for the groundbreaking of the $196 million Route 146 reconstruction project.

RIDOT hopes the project will make needed improvements to the Route 146 corridor, making it safer and reducing congestion which will reduce vehicle emissions.

Rhode Island Building Trades President and Business Manager of Laborers' Local 271, Michael F. Sabitoni speaks at the groundbreaking of the $196 million Route 146 reconstruction project.

The Promise of Offshore Wind for Rhode Island

Webinar on the promise of offshore wind for Rhode Island. Moderated by Kai Salem of Green Energy Consumers Alliance. Panel features RI Sen. Dawn Euer, Stacy Tingley (Ørsted), Adam Lupino (Laborers International Union of North America) (starts at 27:50), and Charles Clarkson (Audubon Society of RI).

Adam Lupino - Laborers International Union of North America (starts at 27:50)

4-12-2022 Press Conference: Redevelopment of the “Superman Building”

Click Link for Video

RI Building Trades WOMEN’S COUNCIL

President Michael F. Sabitoni Congratulates the RI Building & Construction Trades Women’s Council as they create their OWN HISTORY during Women’s History Month 

It was a significant turn-out for the first-ever, RI Building & Construction Trades Women’s Council who recently gathered in person during Women’s  History Month. The informative Sip & Chat event held in Cranston will help create more opportunities for women in the construction trades. 

“The RIBCTC Women’s Council has been a long-time coming in our more than 100-year history, stated Michael F. Sabitoni. When the Executive Board spearheaded the initiative before the pandemic hit, we knew we needed more highly skilled, talented and smart women in a male dominated field. The intellect, strength and leadership abilities of our tradeswomen will continue to advance this much needed diversification in our industry and the RIBCTC into the 21st Century. As we support the Building Trades Women’s Council and its growth, we will encourage tradeswomen to seek our vast training and employment opportunities and ensure more union tradeswomen are guaranteed equal, family supporting wages and benefits, as well as retirement security, for a better way of life for themselves, their children and their families.” 

 “Their organizing efforts are proving results attracting more women into our field. We look forward to all their work on women’s advocacy to better our industry.”  

RENEWABLE ENERGY CREATES JOBS

President Sabitoni commends Governor and state leaders for legislation that would expand offshore wind to 600 MW. The announcement was recently made at ProvPort where parts for wind mills will be manufactured. RI is in position to be North American Hub in the Climate /Green Energy Industry. Clean Energy is creating thousands of family sustaining jobs for OUR Trade Unionists.

STOP WAGE THEFT & MISCLASSIFICATION

President Sabitoni & International Union of Painters and Allied Trades District Council 11 Business Representative Justin Kelley are quoted on NBC-10 Investigative Report regarding wage theft that is rampant in the construction industry.
President Sabitoni and Union Leaders are pushing for the state to pass a bill that would stiffen penalties for wage theft and the misclassification of employees as independent contractors.

Expansion Project at Bally’s Twin River Resort & Casino   

A Topping Off Ceremony was held at the Bally’s Twin River Resort Expansion Project in Lincoln.  The $100 million project under signatory contractor Suffolk Construction will include an additional  40,000 square feet of gaming space and a Korean-style spa.  

“Not only does this create  more work opportunities for our highly skilled tradesmen and women, but it will also provide more union jobs within the facility in addition to the 1,000 who are already employed there,” stated President Michael F. Sabitoni. 

President Sabitoni added, “This couldn’t have been made possible without  the support of Governor McKee, Bally’s Corporation, Suffolk Construction and all of our Building Trade partners and friends.”

A memorial plaque honoring the late 54-year-old IBEW Local 99 union member John P. Hoppe, Sr. who lost his life due to Covid was attached to the steal beam raised during the ceremony.   Brother Hoppe was a U.S. Army  82nd Airborne Veteran and a Foreman on the Casino project.  Those who worked with him say they will greatly miss his positive energy and enthusiasm he brought to the job each and every day.

An updated Union Directory listing union goods and services in R.I. can be found on our website at www.RhodeIslandAFLCIO.org under the "Resources" tab.

Here is the direct link

Please use this directory to find where you can buy union and use services in Rhode Island.

Press Conference

Climate Jobs RI launches their Green and Healthy Schools Campaign.

Climate Jobs Rhode Island launched its Green and Healthy Schools Campaign, yesterday with a press conference in the statehouse (livestream recorded here). Add your name to their pledge and join the movement to make schools, and the planet, healthier and safer for all.

1. Add your organization's name to the Sign-on Letter we will be sharing with RI decision makers (or email your name, title, organization, and logo to erica@climatejobsri.org).

2. Individuals are also asked to join on to our petition here.

3. Share the letter with others to sign on (it's an easy link: bit.ly/greenhealthyschools).

4. Also, follow Climate Jobs RI on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram: @climatejobsRI

Providence Journal: Environmental and labor groups call on RI to invest in greener schools

PROVIDENCE — Rhode Island environmental and organized labor organizations are calling on state government to use an influx of federal funds to ensure that any plans to rebuild public schools also include the incorporation of solar power and other clean energy measures.

Climate Jobs Rhode Island, the coalition formed earlier this year between environmental advocates and labor leaders, announced a campaign Wednesday pushing for all public schools in the state to reach net-zero emissions by 2030.

Cornell University researchers working for the coalition tentatively estimate that attaining the goal would cost $2.5 billion, but that it would result in $35 million in annual energy savings and support more than 11,000 jobs over the next nine years.

How will net-zero schools be paid for?

Coalition members argue that the goal, though ambitious, is realistic given that $1.4 billion has been allocated to school construction in Rhode Island since voters approved $250 million in bonds in 2018 to rebuild school buildings.

Read more here.

Laborers Local 271 Twitter:

@LIUNALocal271BM Sabitoni joining @SecGranholm and @GovDanMcKee to highlight #RI #offshorewind industry #BuildBackBetter #unionjobs @LIUNA @NABTU @ri_trades

Secretary Jennifer Granholm Twitter: 

Workers across the nation are energized and ready to #BuildBackBetter! Our clean energy future will be powered by good-paying union jobs.

Watch video here of Secretary Jennifer Granholm with Justin Kelley, Business Representative of IUPAT, Local 195 of District Council 11 and David Langlais, Business Manager/FST International Association of Bridge Structual and Ornamental Iron Workers, Local 37

New flyover ramp in Providence opens to traffic, provides first direct highway connection to western RI

A brand new flyover ramp in Providence is now officially open to traffic.

A procession of vehicles drove over the ramp for the first time following a ribbon-cutting ceremony Friday afternoon.

The flyover ramp, according to the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT), connects Route 10 North to Route 6 West.

RIDOT Director Peter Alviti said the ramp, which is part of the 6/10 Interchange Reconstruction Project, was completed two years ahead of schedule.

RIDOT Director Alviti Remarks on New Route 10/Route 6 Flyover Ramp

The new ramp, according to Alviti, eliminates a decades-old detour through Olneyville Square and is the first ever direct highway connection to the western part of the state.

“This will allow commuters and freight haulers to not have to get off the highway, go through Olneyville and get back on the highway as we have up until now,” Alviti said.

Sky Drone 12 with a Look over Route 10/Route 6 flyover Ramp

Alviti said the highway has been carrying way above it’s capacity for years, with 100,000 vehicles passing through daily.

By having a specific ramp that connects the two highways, Alviti said drivers will shave about seven minutes of travel time off their commutes.

“That doesn’t sound like a lot for the major investment we have made here, until you consider that that seven minutes, is seven minutes for 15,400 vehicles a day that will be going over this,” Alviti said. “That works out to be about 1,800 hours of travel time saved every day.”

The ongoing 6/10 Interchange Reconstruction Project, according to Alviti, is one of the best examples of what the state’s RhodeWorks program has to offer.

Alviti said he’s grateful that state leaders and lawmakers, “all got behind the initiative to make projects like this happen.”

State officials Discuss Opening of New Route 10/Route 6 Flyover Ramp

Lt. Gov. Sabina Matos, who used to represent the Olneyville and Silverlake neighborhoods when she served on the Providence City Council, said the new ramp will not only improve traffic flow, it will also ease congestion in the area.

“This is going to make a huge difference in our community,” she said. “For nearly 70 years, we have been waiting to have a little bit of freedom from the traffic congestion that we have in this neighborhood. This is going to make an improvement in the quality of life for those who call Olneyville and Silverlake home.”

The rest of the 6/10 Interchange Project, according to Alviti, is scheduled to be completed in the fall of 2023. When all is said and done, the entire project will cost the state $410 million.

BUILDING FUTURES GRADUATION

RI roads, bridges to get fixed through $2.5B infrastructure influx

News Report

Rhode Island is getting a better idea of how the newly passed infrastructure bill will impact the state.

Rhode Island’s congressional delegation joined by Gov. Dan McKee, R.I. Department of Transportation Director Peter Alviti, and Mike Sabitoni in Providence to recognize last week’s passage of the bill.

House lawmakers passed the $1.2 trillion spending bill by a simple majority on Friday. The Senate had previously passed its version.

Full Press Event: Pt. 1

Speaker Time Stamps: (Intro) RIDOT Director Peter Alviti, (5:38) Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, (8:30) Congressman Jim Langevin, (13:33) Congressman David Cicilline

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal will send more than $2.5 billion of federal tax money to Rhode Island to repair roads and bridges, upgrade public transit and rail systems, tackle the climate crisis, and secure access to clean drinking water.

“Everybody’s going to like the idea that we’re going to be able to travel over bridges that are safe and roads that are in good shape without potholes and things like that so the people of Rhode Island have something to look forward to personally as well as the jobs,” said Governor McKee.

Full Press Event: Pt. 2

Speaker Time Stamps: (Intro) Governor Dan McKee, (3:40) RIDOT Director Peter Alviti, (12:25) Building & Construction Trades Council President Michael F. Sabitoni

Over the weekend, Congressman David Cicilline said the funding over the next five years would include:

• $1.5 billion for federal-aid highway apportioned programs

• $242 million for bridge replacement

• $272 million for public transportation improvements

• $6 billion for Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor

• $23 million to expand the state’s electric vehicle charging network

• $100 million for broadband coverage

• $378 million for water infrastructure improvements

• $2 million for wildfire protection

• $10.9 million for cyberattack prevention

• $45 million for airport improvements

Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo applauded the Bipartisan effort and mentioned Rhode Island in her remarks.

“I can tell you prior to this job, I was governor of Rhode Island for six years, and every year, we thought, we were told, an infrastructure bill was around the corner, it’s going to come, governor, the infrastructure money is coming, but of course it never did. And President Biden delivered,” she said.

Full Press Event: Pt. 3

Q & A

The bill also includes billions of dollars in funding for climate resilience and electric vehicle infrastructure, which will help accelerate the nation’s transition to a green economy.

The transformational legislation will also create millions of good-paying, union jobs across the country, reduce inflationary economic pressures, and ease supply chain bottlenecks.

Building Futures: RI Opioids Crisis

Amazon’s a done deal in Johnston

The Rhode Island Building and Construction Trades Council (RIBCTC) also announced its support for the construction of the six-story, 3,864,972 square-foot “new, state-of-the-art Amazon Robotics Sortable Fulfillment Center.” The organization — a federation of 16 local trade unions — swarmed into Wednesday night’s meeting, wearing fluorescent T-shirts. Two trucks bedazzled by flashing electric signs were parked outside the Johnston High School.

RIBCTC President Sabitoni Joins RI Congressional Delegation in Support of the Federal Infrastructure Bill

September 13, 2021

Rhode Island Building & Construction Trades Council President Michael F. Sabitoni joined Rhode Island’s Congressional Delegation, along with Governor McKee,  state and labor leaders calling for passage of the bipartisan infrastructure bill that would send more than $1.5 billion over  five years to the Ocean State for the severely needed repair of the state’s highways and bridges.   “This bill will provide thousands of our hardworking, highly skilled men and women in the Building Trades with vast employment opportunities in order to provide for themselves and their families,” stated Sabitoni. “It will also forward the necessary work to continue the improvement of our crumbling roads and bridges.  I applaud and thank Senators Jack Reed, Sheldon Whitehouse and Congressman Jim Langevin for their tireless efforts moving our state in the right direction toward economic prosperity.”

Media Release

Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on behalf of the RI Building & Construction Trades Council, RI Associated General Contractors, and BuildRI

Opportunities for Family Supporting Careers in Construction 

President Sabitoni:  The Apprenticeship FORWARD Project creates much needed diversity and equity within registered apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs to establish quality career construction paths for RI’s minority communities that have remained elusive for too long.   This  could not have been made possible without the hard work and tenacity by Senator Jack Reed, Building Futures RI, and the RI Department of Labor and Training. The $4M Federal Grant will boost construction apprenticeship and  RI Job-training.

President Sabitoni: Excellent Op-Ed by Contractors Vennicia Kingston and Jose Marcano regarding changes to Providence Tax Stabilization Agreement that recently passed.

A well thought out Op-Ed in today's Projo pertaining to Tax Stabilization Agreements (TSAs).

City must level tax breaks for developers

Your Turn

Vennicia Kingston and Jose Marcano Guest columnists Recently, state leaders named racism as a public health threat, and even closer to home, the City of Providence released a comprehensive report on systemic racism in our city. It’s encouraging that leaders are looking for ways to tackle historical inequities baked into our policies and underwritten by our tax dollars. One clear next step for Providence city councilors to take: ensure a more equitable Providence by reforming how the city approves tax breaks for developers.

The Providence Tax Stabilization Investment ordinance would standardize the processes for future tax incentives for developers. Along the way, the reform would simplify an often convoluted, opaque process and add needed transparency by clearly defining the requirements that all developers must follow to get a tax break from the people of Providence. The proposed legislation’s appeal is that it not only protects the city’s financial interests, but also encourages new development by creating a system that’s more predictable, measurable, and accountable.

Another benefit of the proposed ordinance would be to ensure those who have historically been left out of development projects have a fair shot at new economic opportunities. When you look at Providence, you can see new apartment buildings, hotels, and other construction projects cropping up left and right – a positive sign of growth and local economic development. The problem? In addition

to being complicated and confusing, the current tax policy leaves too much to chance when it comes to creating on-ramps for minority- and women-owned businesses and workers to share in the prosperity.

Language in current tax stabilization agreements (TSAs) require recipients to make 'good faith efforts' to award to Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs) and Women Business Enterprises (WBEs). That’s simply not enough. We should set standards for inclusion and diversity in contractors and stipulate clear reporting guidelines to ensure transparency. TSAs with strong diversity and inclusion language can be a smart way for communities like ours to set fairness standards and ensure those who have historically been excluded from economic opportunities can reap the benefits of large-scale construction projects that stimulate the economy.

And it’s not just minority and women-owned businesses who would benefit; workers would make gains under the new regulations as well. Without strong oversight tools, recent data suggests many contractors who received tax breaks are committing wage theft by misclassifying workers and shaving off payroll expenses to the tune of hundreds of thousands of dollars. This not only hurts individual workers but short-changes Providence residents as well. Under the new law, developers would be required to pay wages that follow industry and area standards during construction and beyond, ensuring family-sustaining wages to the workers building these projects and to the workers employed in them after construction. Some contractors are tossing out arguments that these new reforms would harm businesses owned by women and people of color. They know that if TSA reform goes through, they’ll need to follow city requirements and pay fair wages, which will eat into their already exorbitant profit margins. In fact, the proposed legislation would level the playing field, uplift all workers — especially workers of color, and establish requirements to contract with women and minority-owned businesses.

As business owners and community leaders in Providence, we know that running a profitable business and uplifting our community doesn’t have to be in conflict. Everyone wins when the rules are clear and fair and when those who benefit from development are rewarded but also are held accountable.

Vennicia Kingston is the owner of Eagle Eye Post-Construction Service. Jose Marcano owns Jomar Painting

President Michael F. Sabitoni,

"Passage of the Providence Tax Stabilization Agreement is a great victory for the hard-working men and women who build our Capitol's Skyline!"

Please find press release below.

Providence City Council gives first approval to revised TSA proposal

President Sabitoni:

We are one step closer to fair labor standards in the City of Providence when public money is given to developers. The Providence City Council gave  its first approval to revised TSA . 

Please find link to Providence Business News article: 

President Sabitoni Praises the Work Done by Local Communities to Build and Renovate Rhode Island’s Deteriorating School Infrastructure.

President Michael F. Sabitoni recently served as a keynote speaker as General Treasurer and School Construction Co-Chair Seth Magaziner released Moving Forward:  A Progress Report on RI School Construction. The report outlines the progress of the statewide school construction program developed by the Task Force and co-chaired by Magaziner in 2017. In total, 160 schools have been repaired or replaced, with additional projects still pending approval.  The brand new, state-of-the-art East Providence High School served as the backdrop for the Moving Forward Press Conference.

“Every one of these school investments is an investment in the future of our state and our children, while supporting our local economy by putting Rhode Islanders to work,” stated President Sabitoni. “As we look to recover from the pandemic, the 21st Century East Providence High School is a testament of what is possible when we work together.   It is a prime example of what other communities can accomplish as we reinvest in our school building infrastructure, constructed by our highly skilled tradesmen and women.”

New, East Providence High School: 304,000 square foot, four story school, opens in September

National Work Zone Safety Awareness Week 

President Michael F. Sabitoni:  

As we kick off National Work Zone Safety Awareness Week, we remind motorists to  be patient  and drive slow near highway work zones.  Please adhere to flaggers, and pay close attention  to road signs and speed warnings . The lives of our hardworking  tradesmen and women who are working around the clock to ensure our  deplorable roads, bridges and infrastructure are safe and reliable, depend on your safe driving precautions as the construction season commences  into full gear.

Drive Safe. Work Safe. Save Lives.

Dan Yorke - State of Mind 4/16/21: Michael F. Sabitoni

The RIBCTC Launches its Inaugural Women’s Caucus 

It was only fitting the RIBCTC Women’s Caucus kicked off its very first meeting in March during Women’s History Month.   The exciting Zoom event featured RIBCTC President Michael F. Sabitoni and Connie Ashbrook, Co-Chair, National Task Force on Tradeswomen Issues.  Some of the topics discussed included improving the safety and health for women in construction, as well as preventing any employment barriers they might face.

The Rhode Island Building & Construction Trades Council Congratulates Governor Dan McKee on his Governorship

Chamber President Laurie White spoke with Michael F. Sabitoni, President of the Rhode Island Building & Construction Trades Council and Business Manager for the Laborers’ Union Local 271

RI Building Trades Congratulations to Governor Raimondo & Mayor Walsh 

Labor Vision TV The Opioid Crisis (Part I) - Building and Construction Industry Impact

The Hard Working Craftsmen and Women of the RI Building Trades are Commended for their Tireless Efforts Constructing Brown University’s Future Performing Arts Center - Despite COVID-19

Brown University recently held a unique online/on-site Topping-Off Ceremony to commemorate its state-of-the-art 94,000 square foot Performing Arts Center, slated to open by the end of next year. During the innovative virtual speaking program marking the construction milestone, Brown University President Christina Paxson thanked the highly-skilled and talented men and women of the RI Building Trades for their perseverance, as they continue to work through these unprecedented and challenging times.  

RI Building & Construction Trades Council President Michael F. Sabitoni served as one of the keynote speakers during the event. He recognized the leadership of Brown’s Facilities Team and signatory contractor Shawmut for ensuring the men and women who are on the job have been provided with all the necessities to maintain safe working conditions during the pandemic – from proper distancing to constant sanitization.

The cutting-edge, cultural building will provide a 500-seat theater and anchor a future campus arts district with a one-of-a-kind approach to the performing arts supporting the research and 21st century teaching of music, theater, and dance.

Click on link below to view the exciting, live and virtual topping-off PAC celebration complete with on-site drone footage.

https://www.brown.edu/news/2020-12-10/pac

Rhode Island Building Trades, and its Signatory Contractors Raise Money to Support Salute Military Golf Association 

The RI Building & Construction Trades Council is proud to be a sponsor of the Salute Military Golf Association (SMGA) which provides rehabilitative golf programs for wounded war veterans  in an effort to improve the quality of life for these American heroes.  Over the summer, the RI Building Trades, the RI Associated General Contractor (RI-AGC) and its partners in the labor movement raised nearly $30,000 for this critical organization that supports veterans with post-traumatic stress disorders and traumatic brain injuries.         

The RI Building Trades and its partners raise money at SMGA Charity Golf Tournament  

Below are letters from veterans themselves thanking labor leaders for their generous support:

First and foremost,  I want to thank you all for your support and generous donations to the SMGA. My name is Paul Mignosa and I served in the Navy from 2008 - 2013, supporting both Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. 

The SMGA allows me to connect with other veterans who have gone through, or who still struggle with the same challenges we face as disabled veterans. It also offers clinics, equipment, and events that are important to the moral welfare of us veterans. 

Just wanted to say THANK YOU - your kind donations make all of this possible!

Paul Mignosa

Executive Director, Rhode Island  

My name is Johanna Bravo, I'm part of SMGA RI. I just wanted to send you a quick note to let you know how appreciated and wonderful it is that you sponsored our group. I don't know if you realize how much all of you are helping Veterans like me to use golfing as therapy. I feel calm and I can focus more when I'm out there on the fairway. I forget all the bad dreams and just enjoy the time with my teammates. A very sincere thank you to all of you, this means a lot to me, and I know it means a lot to the other guys.  If there's a time when you may need my help, with anything, I'm here for you. I'm forever grateful and humbled by your gift. 

Yours truly, 

Johanna Bravo

I am writing you this morning to express my sincere gratitude for your donations to help keep the Salute Military Golf Associations Rhode Island program running. Over the past four years I have come to learn and love the game of golf and use it as a tool to cope with my PTSD. I am considered completely disabled by the VA and consider myself extremely lucky to have found an organization like the SMGA.

Over the years my mental health has had it's ups and downs, however I always find myself looking forward to the comradery I find within this group and the healing effect golf has on me. Knowing that your donations have allowed the organization to continue next year and beyond brings me great comfort and excitement. 

I can not thank you enough for the gift you have provided not only to myself, but countless other veterans who will use golf to heal the wounds of war. My only hope is that the program can not only continue but also expand in order to help other veterans find the comfort and comradery I have found through the game of golf. 

Thank you,

Bryan Laren

SMGA RI member

Dear Mike,

I want to thank you for your support of the SMGA. The SMGA has made a significant impact on my life in terms of my opportunities to play golf, get better at the game through lessons, the comradery with my fellow veterans is priceless and being outdoors on the courses bring me such peace and happiness, even when I play awful. And Jerry S. is one of the best human beings I know; I love him. Without support like yours and SMGA, I would not be able to play as much and my mental and emotional well-being would be in a different place without my golf therapy. Yes, that’s what it is to me. My mood is always lifted and my mind cleared abs relieved of all stress when I step on the first tee. You have given me a most wonderful gift that I will have forever through the memories and my improved golf ability. Thank you again for your generosity and selflessness. It means a lot to me that you and others care so much for us veterans. God bless you many times over for all you do for  us.

Sincerely, eternally grateful,

Victoria Tolber

President Michael F. Sabitoni Kicks off RI Apprenticeship Week on Construction Day  (Nov. 8-14)

President Sabitoni commended Building Futures and its pre-apprenticeship programs during a leadership celebration, November 10th , on National Construction Day.  Sabitoni praised Orlando Correra, who received the Building Futures Alumni Leadership Award for his commitment to his trade and his activism in the community.   Correa is a journey Ironworker who began his success with Building Futures.  Building Futures prepares individuals for family supporting careers in construction, meeting the industry needs of employers to remain competitive in the 21st century.  President Sabitoni is a Building Futures Board Member and was instrumental in establishing the organization that provides qualified candidates to get the support, training and certification in their career.  

Apprenticeship Week/Construction Day at Building Futures

Statement from President Michael F. Sabitoni:

“Union registered apprenticeship programs are the gold standard in the construction industry. When you become an apprentice, you enjoy all the benefits that come with being a proud union member.  Union members earn far better wages and benefits than workers who are non-union.  Employers and signatory contractors remain competitive with a highly skilled, trained and safety conscious workforce thanks to our apprenticed workforce. I am proud the RI Building Trades have embraced Building Futures, leading the way in meeting industry standards through  registered apprenticeship, while creating family-sustaining work opportunities for individuals in our community. It is an honor to kick off RI Apprenticeship Week with all of our partners in the Union Construction Industry.”

LIUNA  Laborers’ Local 271 Retiree and Vice President of the RI Laborers’ Retiree Council Featured in Book and on the News!      

On Veteran’s Day, our own  Brother Johnny ‘Bugs’ DeLeo, LIUNA Laborers’ Local 271 Retiree and RI Laborers’ Retiree Council Vice President was featured on local news for serving on the Battleship USS Missouri during WWII .  The Missouri earned three battle stars and was also the site  where Japan’s official surrender  was signed ending the war.  Brother Deleo’s extraordinary experience is detailed in the book,  A Life Well-Lived, written by his daughter, Janet.

Below is the link and transcript of Brother Deleo featured on WPRI-TV 12. You can purchase the book online or locally at Barrington books in Garden City.

https://www.wpri.com/news/local-news/northwest/johnston-woman-shares-her-fathers-slice-of-america-in-new-book/

JOHNSTON, R.I. (WPRI) ─ John DeLeo had just turned 18 when he embarked on a historic journey.

The Rhode Islander joined the U.S. Navy in 1944, and while his time in the service was short-lived, his memories have lasted a lifetime.

“I was stationed when they were assembling a crew for my ship,” he said, referencing the U.S.S. Missouri. The vessel is docked at Pearl Harbor in Honolulu, symbolizing its significant role in American history DeLeo was there when the Japanese surrendered aboard the U.S.S. Missouri, ending World War II. “The highlights are really when they surrendered,” he recalled. “There were hundreds of men up on the infrastructure trying to witness what was happening. They were surrounded by dignitaries from all over.” DeLeo was discharged shortly after the war ended and he returned home. Now, at 94 years old, DeLeo remembers those who didn’t get a chance to tell their stories, especially on Veterans Day. “The thought that crosses my mind are the boys that didn’t come home,” he said. “They are the boys that deserve the credit.” Most would argue that DeLeo’s story is an important one to tell. That’s why his daughter Janet wrote a book about it. “It’s just a slice of America that existed then,” she said. Her book, titled “A Life Well Lived” explores the life of a hero, who she said she’s lucky to call her dad. “I was just inspired to write his story,” she said. “I think it’s really important for people to get the stories before they are gone forever.”

President Sabitoni Addresses Escalating Opioid Crisis

Recovery Talk Radio – Mondays from 3-4 p.m. on AM Talk Radio 790

Michael F. Sabitoni, President, RI Building & Construction Trades Council, addresses the alarming uptick in Opioid deaths in RI during the COVID-19 crisis on Recovery Radio, WPRV am 790. This is called a ‘syndemic’ - when two epidemics collide.Over the past two years, the RI Building Trades have hosted a myriad of seminars to educate leaders in the construction industry on how to combat the problem that is plaguing the industry.    

Click on lick below to listen to President Sabitoni’s in-depth discussion on the  topic with host  John J. Tassoni, Jr

Providence workers rise together for tax break reform

MICHAEL SABITONI | THE PROVIDENCE JOURNAL

Michael Sabitoni is president of the Rhode Island Building and Construction Trades Council and a member of the Providence Rises Together Coalition, a collection of labor unions representing both construction workers and service workers encouraging the Providence City Council to pass the Tax Stabilization Investment Act. For more information, visit www.ProvidenceRisesTogether.org. 

At a time when families need help the most due to the crippling economic effect of COVID-19, Providence is hungry for swift action to bolster our economy and protect our workers.

In Rhode Island, the amount of working-age people who are earning wages or trying to find work just shrunk to a historic 20-year low in December. This pain has hit low-income workers the hardest. Downtown Providence is struggling with no tourists, no office workers, and no convention events to fuel our economy that was thriving a year ago today. 

For too long, decades-long tax breaks have been doled out to big developers who have broken their commitment to the City of Providence, using contractors plagued with unfair and inequitable labor practices, including wage theft.

Many developers who have been granted generous tax breaks through Providence’s Tax Stabilization Agreements (TSAs) have misclassified and underpaid their workers. In addition to these illegal practices, audits from the city found a history of noncompliance among the developers who received the 54 TSAs currently in effect. Noncompliance issues included multiple projects that have yet to pay required administrative fees or submit annual reports, and the audit highlighted an overall lack of transparency for taxpayers. 

If Providence taxpayers are going to incentivize this recovery, we need measurement, enforcement, and standards. We need TSA reform now.

As it stands, TSAs are lining the pockets of some developers with no accountability to the community or to taxpayers. The time has come to put the interest of the people of Providence first.

The newly proposed TSA ordinance would create requirements for developers to contract with minority and women-owned businesses, invest in apprenticeship and career programs, and pay wages that follow industry and area standards during and beyond construction. The changes will guarantee livable wages and fair practices for workers building these new projects — and for the workers in these developments long after. 

Working families across industries in Providence have come together to fight to reform this wrong under our Providence Rises Together Coalition. Hotel workers, janitors, construction workers, security guards, and more are fighting to amend big developer tax break incentives, pushing for true accountability to the community and an economic recovery that includes both business and labor. And we are grateful to have champions of these reforms, including 14 out of 15 of Providence’s city councilors, fighting alongside us for a more equitable system.

When working families stand together, we rise together. It’s time our tax dollars go toward developing our city and the families in our community.  

Michael F. Sabitoni, President of the RI Building & Construction Trades
Council, reminds you VOTE YES ON QUESTION 2!
IMPROVE THE DETERIORATING CONDITIONS OF OUR SCHOOLS!
Click on link below to find his Op-ed in Today's Providence Journal.

http://www.providencejournal.com/story/opinion/columns/2020/10/29/many-schools-disrepair-time-when-students-need-safe-environment-during-pandemic/6049920002/

A Message From Michael F. Sabitoni, President of the RI Building & Construction Trades