Michael Sabitoni: Rhode Island owes Brown thanks for its building projects

Thu, 04/29/2010 - 1:16pm

  The Rhode Island economy is in dire straits. We have been mired in an extended recession, our unemployment rate hovers around 13 percent — one of the highest in America — and the state is dealing with the aftermath of horrific floods. Many people have lost their jobs, any health insurance they may have had and, in many other instances, their homes, too. The construction industry has been especially affected, with unemployment in this sector at a staggering 40 percent.

 

There is, however, at least one example of a prominent local entity that — in spite of the economic downturn — has decided to continue to invest in ways that have positive implications for our state and community.

Brown University has invested over $300 million in infrastructure improvements since 2002. Notwithstanding that the university’s endowment took a major hit in the economic meltdown, Brown has begun or will begin construction on four major projects in and around downtown Providence in 2009-2010. The university has been able to do this because it revisited its plans, scaling back in some cases and opting for renovation rather than costlier new construction.

In 2009, Brown began construction on a new $40 million creative-arts center. And it is building a $45 million medical-education building project in the heart of the Jewelry District. The university has a $42 million project to renovate the Metcalf Building on Thayer Street to house the Department of Cognitive, Linguistic and Psychological Sciences, and a $40 million fitness center. Cumulatively, this represents about $167 million in new construction at a time when virtually everyone else is scaling back; this is an enormous investment in the community at a time when our economy needs it most.

Brown uses skilled tradesmen and women from the Rhode Island Building & Construction Trades Council to construct these facilities.

Currently, the unions that make up our council have about 10,000 members, with about four of every 10 workers jobless. That means that we currently have about 6,000 members working. Brown expects to put about 1,000 local union trades people to work, or 16 percent of our existing membership currently working and 10 percent of our entire workforce.

Our past performance demonstrates that using local union labor will also ensure that these jobs are built safely, on a timely basis and on budget. Whether it was the T.F. Green Airport expansion, the Amgen expansion or more recently, the Narragansett Bay Commission Combined Sewer Overflow project, the union members of the Rhode Island Building & Construction Trades Council have constructed virtually every major construction project in the state on budget and on time. We value the trust that Brown has placed in constructing these new facilities and are confident that our successful track record will continue.

Another benefit to the council’s work with Brown is the university’s commitment to participating in the acclaimed Building Futures pre-apprenticeship initiative, which focuses on providing low-income, urban residents seeking careers in construction through placement in high-quality apprenticeship programs. It provides a proven path to economic self-sufficiency, preparing and supporting individuals for lifelong careers through their pre-apprenticeship services. Through this program, the university sets aside 15 percent of all hours worked for new employment opportunities for apprentices hired from Providence, substantially increasing employment opportunities for young adults in the city to develop careers in the trades.

Even before the current recession, Providence’s economically distressed neighborhoods had up to 25 percent unemployment, with few real career options available for many residents. Brown’s commitment to Building Futures recognizes the challenges that those residing in these distressed neighborhoods have, and is showing real leadership by providing career opportunities for them.

It is also good business.

Though we have record unemployment, industry studies and market analysts suggest that the construction industry’s workforce is aging and will have to be replaced to meet the demands of marketplace. Building Futures is helping develop the next cohort of skilled craftsmen and women to stabilize future labor costs, a skilled-labor shortage in the industry.

Brown’s decision to embark upon these projects in these tumultuous times will create hundreds of much-needed, well-paying jobs with benefits for our members as well as our local economy. The apprenticeship requirements on these projects will create new opportunities for young adults in and around Providence who want a career in construction.

Our members and their families appreciate the work opportunities Brown is providing to us when so many institutions have halted construction. Their actions offer hope for better days ahead for our economy. We look forward to other prominent local institutions demonstrating similar leadership, commitment and courage, because our state desperately needs them to step up now.

Michael Sabitoni is president of the Rhode Island Building and Construction Trades Council.