Washington, D.C. – March 16, 2021 – Today, North America’s Building Trades Unions (NABTU) released the following statement from President Sean McGarvey mourning the passing of Stephen D. Bechtel, Jr.:

 “North America’s Building Trades Unions mourn the loss of Stephen D. Bechtel, Jr., who was and will always be a celebrated figure in the construction industry. NABTU has worked with Bechtel Construction for well over one hundred years, in which Bechtel has consistently served as the largest single employer of our members. Throughout our relationship, we have had the honor of building some of our nation’s most renowned projects, from the Hoover Dam, to the Boston Tunnel, and currently the two nuclear reactors at Plant Vogtle in Georgia.

“The Bechtel Company, led by five generations, has always lent itself to being more of a partnership, with our members being a key component of the team. Stephen Bechtel, leading the company during good times for construction in general, and the Building Trades in particular, helped to solidify and forge the relationship that we enjoyed with his successor, Riley Bechtel, and still enjoy today with the 5th generation leadership of Brendan Bechtel. We also reflect on the generations of Building Trades families that were born and passed while working for and with Bechtel Construction. 

“It is more than an employer-employee relationship, and Stephen Bechtel always showed mutual respect for his clients, his team, and the craft people that had the opportunity to work for him. His place in the history of iconic construction leaders of the 20th century has long been secured, and the admiration of tens of thousands of building trades families endure. We sincerely mourn his passing.”

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