A Message from Business Manager Chris Erikson Jr.
The $16-billion Gateway Project stands to be the latest casualty of the Trump administration and just another example of Trump’s attacks on working men and women like us. The administration refuses to release funds already pledged to the project, and the Gateway Development Commission has stated they will be out of money by the end of this week, putting this project in jeopardy of moving forward entirely. Nearly a dozen rank and file members along with three Local 3 Business Representatives joined Senator Charles Schumer and dozens more from the unionized Building Trades to express concern about the project halting and to implore the administration to fund the project.
The Gateway Program is critical not just to New York and New Jersey but the entire Northeast Corridor. The Trump administration choosing to not allocate funds directly hurts the work opportunity for tradespeople and the ability for our members to put food on their tables. We hope Trump will do the right thing, but we are not holding our breath unfortunately.
February is Black History Month, as we take the time to celebrate Black culture and recognize the achievements and contributions Black Americans have made to our country, while also acknowledging the challenges and difficulties Black Americans have endured. It is especially poignant this year, with so much of the current abhorrent activity of the federal government in immigration raids across our country echoing the abuse and tactics of the 1950's and 1960's at the height of the Civil Rights Movement.
I want to recognize and thank the Black leaders in our Union and Industry and all members who are dedicated to equality and equity in Local 3 and providing opportunities for workers of every color, race, and background. More work needs to be done, but Local 3 will always stand on our principles.
