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Event in Support of Brett Smiley with Special Guest Gina Riamondo

Dan York State of Mind

2/10/23: Michael F. Sabitoni

President of the Rhode Island Building Trades, Michael F. Sabitoni joins Dan Yorke to discuss the status of the construction and trades industries, as well as proposed and ongoing projects in the state.

Rally at RIC for Gov. Dan McKee

Amazon is Done Deal in Johnston

The Rhode Island Building and Construction Trades Council (RIBCTC) also announced its support for the construction of the six-story, 3,864,972 square-foot “new, state-of-the-art Amazon Robotics Sortable Fulfillment Center.” The organization — a federation of 16 local trade unions — swarmed into Wednesday night’s meeting, wearing fluorescent T-shirts. Two trucks bedazzled by flashing electric signs were parked outside the Johnston High School.

LU 271 Business Manager Michael F. Sabitoni Joins RI Congressional Delegation in Support of the Federal Infrastructure Bill

September 13, 2021

Laborers’ Local Union 271 Business Manager Michael F. Sabitoni joined Rhode Island’s Congressional Delegation, along with Governor McKee,  state and labor leaders calling for passage of the bipartisan infrastructure bill that would send more than $1.5 billion over  five years to the Ocean State for the severely needed repair of the state’s highways and bridges.   “This bill will provide thousands of our hardworking, highly skilled men and women in Laborers’ Local Union 271 and the Building Trades with vast employment opportunities in order to provide for themselves and their families,” stated Sabitoni. “It will also forward the necessary work to continue the improvement of our crumbling roads and bridges.  I applaud and thank Senators Jack Reed, Sheldon Whitehouse and Congressman Jim Langevin for their tireless efforts moving our state in the right direction toward economic prosperity.”

PROVIDENCE – The Fane Tower saga has officially ended.

The New York-based Fane Organization announced Friday it will no longer proceed with the development of the controversial project that was proposed for Parcel 42 of I-195 land.

Read the whole article here:

Workers across the nation are energized and ready to #BuildBackBetter! Our clean energy future will be powered by good-paying union jobs.

Secretary Jennifer Granholm with Justin Kelley, Business Representative of IUPAT, Local 195 of District Council 11 and David Langlais, Business Manager/FST International Association of Bridge Structual and Ornamental Iron Workers, Local 37

Laborers Local 271 Twitter:

@LIUNALocal271BM Sabitoni joining @SecGranholm and @GovDanMcKee to highlight #RI #offshorewind industry #BuildBackBetter #unionjobs @LIUNA @NABTU @ri_trades

  Expansion Project at Bally’s Twin River Resort & Casino   

A Topping Off Ceremony was held at the Bally’s Twin River Resort Expansion Project in Lincoln. The $100 million project under signatory contractor Suffolk Construction will include an additional 40,000 square feet of gaming space and a Korean-style spa.  

“Not only does this create more work opportunities for our highly skilled tradesmen and women, but it will also provide more union jobs within the facility in addition to the 1,000 who are already employed there,” stated Business Manager Michael F. Sabitoni. 

Business Manager Sabitoni added, “This couldn’t have been made possible without  the support of Governor McKee, Bally’s Corporation, Suffolk Construction and all of our Building Trade partners and friends.”

A memorial plaque honoring the late 54-year-old IBEW Local 99 union member John P. Hoppe, Sr. who lost his life due to Covid was attached to the steal beam raised during the ceremony. Brother Hoppe was a U.S. Army  82nd Airborne Veteran and a Foreman on the Casino project. Those who worked with him say they will greatly miss his positive energy and enthusiasm he brought to the job each and every day.

Climate Jobs RI launches their Green and Healthy Schools Campaign.

Climate Jobs Rhode Island launched its Green and Healthy Schools Campaign, yesterday with a press conference in the statehouse (livestream recorded here). Add your name to their pledge and join the movement to make schools, and the planet, healthier and safer for all.

1. Add your organization's name to the Sign-on Letter we will be sharing with RI decision makers (or email your name, title, organization, and logo to erica@climatejobsri.org).

2. Individuals are also asked to join on to our petition here.

3. Share the letter with others to sign on (it's an easy link: bit.ly/greenhealthyschools).

4. Also, follow Climate Jobs RI on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram: @climatejobsRI

Providence Journal: Environmental and labor groups call on RI to invest in greener schools

PROVIDENCE — Rhode Island environmental and organized labor organizations are calling on state government to use an influx of federal funds to ensure that any plans to rebuild public schools also include the incorporation of solar power and other clean energy measures.

Climate Jobs Rhode Island, the coalition formed earlier this year between environmental advocates and labor leaders, announced a campaign Wednesday pushing for all public schools in the state to reach net-zero emissions by 2030.

Cornell University researchers working for the coalition tentatively estimate that attaining the goal would cost $2.5 billion, but that it would result in $35 million in annual energy savings and support more than 11,000 jobs over the next nine years.

How will net-zero schools be paid for?

Coalition members argue that the goal, though ambitious, is realistic given that $1.4 billion has been allocated to school construction in Rhode Island since voters approved $250 million in bonds in 2018 to rebuild school buildings.

Read more here.

Flyover Ramp in Providence Opens to Traffic, Provides First Direct Highway Connection to Western Rhode Island

Nov. 2021 - PROVIDENCE, R.I (WPRI) — A brand new flyover ramp in Providence is now officially open to traffic.

A procession of vehicles drove over the ramp for the first time following a ribbon-cutting ceremony Friday afternoon.

The flyover ramp, according to the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT), connects Route 10 North to Route 6 West.

RIDOT Director Peter Alviti said the ramp, which is part of the 6/10 Interchange Reconstruction Project, was completed two years ahead of schedule.

RI roads, bridges to get fixed through $2.5B infrastructure influx

Nov. 2021 - PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — Rhode Island is getting a better idea of how the newly passed infrastructure bill will impact the state.

Rhode Island’s congressional delegation joined by Gov. Dan McKee, R.I. Department of Transportation Director Peter Alviti, and Mike Sabitoni in Providence to recognize last week’s passage of the bill.

House lawmakers passed the $1.2 trillion spending bill by a simple majority on Friday. The Senate had previously passed its version.

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal will send more than $2.5 billion of federal tax money to Rhode Island to repair roads and bridges, upgrade public transit and rail systems, tackle the climate crisis, and secure access to clean drinking water.

“Everybody’s going to like the idea that we’re going to be able to travel over bridges that are safe and roads that are in good shape without potholes and things like that so the people of Rhode Island have something to look forward to personally as well as the jobs,” said Governor McKee.

LIUNA Laborers’ Local 271 Retiree and Vice President of the RI Laborers’ Retiree Council Featured in Book and on the News!      

On Veteran’s Day, our own  Brother Johnny ‘Bugs’ DeLeo, LIUNA Laborers’ Local 271 Retiree and RI Laborers’ Retiree Council Vice President was featured on local news for serving on the Battleship USS Missouri during WWII .  The Missouri earned three battle stars and was also the site  where Japan’s official surrender  was signed ending the war.  Brother Deleo’s extraordinary experience is detailed in the book,  A Life Well-Lived, written by his daughter, Janet.

Below is the link and transcript of Brother Deleo featured on WPRI-TV 12. You can purchase the book online or locally at Barrington books in Garden City.

https://www.wpri.com/news/local-news/northwest/johnston-woman-shares-her-fathers-slice-of-america-in-new-book/

JOHNSTON, R.I. (WPRI) ─ John DeLeo had just turned 18 when he embarked on a historic journey.

The Rhode Islander joined the U.S. Navy in 1944, and while his time in the service was short-lived, his memories have lasted a lifetime.

“I was stationed when they were assembling a crew for my ship,” he said, referencing the U.S.S. Missouri. The vessel is docked at Pearl Harbor in Honolulu, symbolizing its significant role in American history DeLeo was there when the Japanese surrendered aboard the U.S.S. Missouri, ending World War II. “The highlights are really when they surrendered,” he recalled. “There were hundreds of men up on the infrastructure trying to witness what was happening. They were surrounded by dignitaries from all over.” DeLeo was discharged shortly after the war ended and he returned home. Now, at 94 years old, DeLeo remembers those who didn’t get a chance to tell their stories, especially on Veterans Day. “The thought that crosses my mind are the boys that didn’t come home,” he said. “They are the boys that deserve the credit.” Most would argue that DeLeo’s story is an important one to tell. That’s why his daughter Janet wrote a book about it. “It’s just a slice of America that existed then,” she said. Her book, titled “A Life Well Lived” explores the life of a hero, who she said she’s lucky to call her dad. “I was just inspired to write his story,” she said. “I think it’s really important for people to get the stories before they are gone forever.”

President Michael F. Sabitoni Kicks off RI Apprenticeship Week on Construction Day  (Nov. 8-14)

President Sabitoni commended Building Futures and its pre-apprenticeship programs during a leadership celebration, November 10th, on National Construction Day. Sabitoni praised Orlando Correra, who received the Building Futures Alumni Leadership Award for his commitment to his trade and his activism in the community. Correa is a journey Ironworker who began his success with Building Futures. Building Futures prepares individuals for family supporting careers in construction, meeting the industry needs of employers to remain competitive in the 21st century. President Sabitoni is a Building Futures Board Member and was instrumental in establishing the organization that provides qualified candidates to get the support, training and certification in their career.  

Apprenticeship Week/Construction Day at Building Futures

(L-R) GREG MANCINI, EX. DIRECTOR BUILDRI; ANDREW CORTES, EX. DIRECTOR BUILDING FUTURES;  SARAH GORMLEY, TRAINEE & GRADUATE SERVICES COORDINATOR, BUILDING FUTURES;  STEVE RAYNHAM,  APPRENTICESHIP COORDINATOR, IRONWORKERS LOCAL 37;  MICHAEL F. SABITONI, PRESIDENT, RI BUILDING TRADES;  IAN CHASE, TRAINING DIRECTOR, BUILDING FUTURES; ORLANDO CORREA, IRONWORKERS, LOCAL 37 & RECIPIENT BUILDING FUTURES LEADERSHIP ALUMNI AWARD;  DAVID LANGLAIS, VP,  RIBCTC & PRES OF IRONWORKERS LOCAL 37; STEVE RAYCHEM APPRENTICESHIP COORDINATOR IRONWORKERS LOCAL 37 

Statement from President Michael F. Sabitoni:

“Union registered apprenticeship programs are the gold standard in the construction industry. When you become an apprentice, you enjoy all the benefits that come with being a proud union member.  Union members earn far better wages and benefits than workers who are non-union.  Employers and signatory contractors remain competitive with a highly skilled, trained and safety conscious workforce thanks to our apprenticed workforce. I am proud the RI Building Trades have embraced Building Futures, leading the way in meeting industry standards through  registered apprenticeship, while creating family-sustaining work opportunities for individuals in our community. It is an honor to kick off RI Apprenticeship Week with all of our partners in the Union Construction Industry.”

Rhode Island Building Trades, and its Signatory Contractors Raise Money to Support Salute Military Golf Association 

 The RI Building & Construction Trades Council is proud to be a sponsor of the Salute Military Golf Association (SMGA) which provides rehabilitative golf programs for wounded war veterans  in an effort to improve the quality of life for these American heroes.  Over the summer, the RI Building Trades, the RI Associated General Contractor (RI-AGC) and its partners in the labor movement raised nearly $30,000 for this critical organization that supports veterans with post-traumatic stress disorders and traumatic brain injuries.         

The RI Building Trades and its partners raise money at SMGA Charity Golf Tournament  

Below are letters from veterans themselves thanking labor leaders for their generous support:

First and foremost,  I want to thank you all for your support and generous donations to the SMGA. My name is Paul Mignosa and I served in the Navy from 2008 - 2013, supporting both Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. 

The SMGA allows me to connect with other veterans who have gone through, or who still struggle with the same challenges we face as disabled veterans. It also offers clinics, equipment, and events that are important to the moral welfare of us veterans. 

Just wanted to say THANK YOU - your kind donations make all of this possible!

Paul Mignosa

Executive Director, Rhode Island  

My name is Johanna Bravo, I'm part of SMGA RI. I just wanted to send you a quick note to let you know how appreciated and wonderful it is that you sponsored our group. I don't know if you realize how much all of you are helping Veterans like me to use golfing as therapy. I feel calm and I can focus more when I'm out there on the fairway. I forget all the bad dreams and just enjoy the time with my teammates. A very sincere thank you to all of you, this means a lot to me, and I know it means a lot to the other guys.  If there's a time when you may need my help, with anything, I'm here for you. I'm forever grateful and humbled by your gift. 

Yours truly, 

Johanna Bravo

I am writing you this morning to express my sincere gratitude for your donations to help keep the Salute Military Golf Associations Rhode Island program running. Over the past four years I have come to learn and love the game of golf and use it as a tool to cope with my PTSD. I am considered completely disabled by the VA and consider myself extremely lucky to have found an organization like the SMGA.

Over the years my mental health has had it's ups and downs, however I always find myself looking forward to the comradery I find within this group and the healing effect golf has on me. Knowing that your donations have allowed the organization to continue next year and beyond brings me great comfort and excitement. 

I can not thank you enough for the gift you have provided not only to myself, but countless other veterans who will use golf to heal the wounds of war. My only hope is that the program can not only continue but also expand in order to help other veterans find the comfort and comradery I have found through the game of golf. 

Thank you,

Bryan Laren

SMGA RI member