Read more: Local, Labor Report
TOLEDO -- New numbers released show the Northwest Ohio construction industry is one of the biggest employers in the region.
Throughout five counties in Northwest Ohio, Lucas, Ottawa, Wood, Fulton and Monroe, the Building Trades and Construction Council represents about 12,000 workers.
“We're a big part. If we were to all disappear, I don't know what would happen around here,” said Mike Haupricht, Northwest Ohio Building and Construction Trades Council Executive Secretary.
And, Bill Brennan, President of the Associated General Contractors of Northwest Ohio, says this often gets overlooked. This, because these 12,000 workers are typically categorized with their respective trade like carpentry, bricklaying or electrical work, and recognized as independent conglomerates.
“We think we ought to be viewed as an industry that has a significant economic impact. So, we just wanted to put those numbers together and prove that point,” said Brennan.
With the help of the Regional Growth Partnership, after three months of data gathering, Brennan found that the Northwest Ohio construction workforce contributes $72.77 million to its pension fund, $63.7 million to healthcare benefits and $6.514 million to worker training.
“So, I think we support our local economy. We support our workers and their families very well. I think there is a high value to that,” said Brennan.
The study also found that $1 out of $33 of economic output came from union construction and $1 out of every $23 in wages.
“We're the lifeline, really. It's our skilled workforce, our apprenticeship programs...we are a major player,” said Haupricht.
Brennan and Haupricht say, they want everyone to know that the construction union provides a skilled professional workforce to Northwest Ohio at no cost to the public.
