Washington, D.C. – September 6, 2024 – North America’s Building Trades Unions (NABTU) President Sean McGarvey issued the following statement:

“North America’s Building Trades Unions (NABTU) was proud to stand with President Biden today to witness today’s signing of the Good Jobs Executive Order. This signing marks another major milestone by the Biden-Harris Administration in their fight for higher labor standards across federal government funded programs. This Executive Order solidifies the Administration’s ongoing efforts to embed worker protections for our nation’s workforce, ensuring federal funding prioritizes projects that adopt fair wages, safe working conditions, and respect for workers’ rights.”

“The order sets a benchmark for how labor standards should be applied, directing federal agencies to incentivize collective bargaining and uphold family-sustaining wages and benefits. It places emphasis on successful NABTU workforce development tools such as Registered Apprenticeship and Apprenticeship Readiness Programs, ensuring that these construction career pathways to good-paying jobs are protected and expanded. By fostering safer, healthier, and more inclusive workplaces, this Executive Order helps level the playing field and increases opportunities for all workers.”

“By formalizing these standards, President Biden and Vice President Harris are establishing a framework that will be difficult for future administrations to ignore. Future presidents will face the challenge of reversing these protections, making it clear that high labor standards are not just a policy choice but a priority for the long-term. The order sets the stage for future leaders to build on this progress for generations to come.

As this landmark Executive Order takes effect and sets the stage for future leaders to build on this progress in this infrastructure generation, NABTU remains committed to supporting the Biden-Harris Administration’s vision for a future where union labor is respected, workers’ voices are heard, and every job is a good job.”

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