Building trades warn higher‑ed construction slowdown will cost jobs, urge state support for research projects

Representatives of Massachusetts building trades and the state AFL‑CIO told the Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies on Sept. 11 that declines in higher‑education construction and delays to major research projects are putting construction workers out of work and reducing family incomes.

Frank Callahan (testimony identified him as representing Massachusetts Building Trade Unions) said the trades represent about 75,000 workers who build research labs, campus facilities and associated infrastructure. “Before any of those researchers and professors can go to work, they need a place to go to work. And our members build those places, from the most sophisticated labs to the parking garage to the bathroom,” he said. Callahan added that large, unionized campus projects have in the past supported multi‑year employment and training opportunities for trades workers.

Callahan described recent softening in construction demand in downtown areas and said the sector relies heavily on public construction tied to higher‑education and research projects. He asked legislators to consider the effect on apprenticeships, health coverage and family incomes if projects are delayed or cancelled.

Lindsey Kenny, legislative director for the Massachusetts AFL‑CIO, said colleges and universities generate economic activity beyond campus gates — including public transit ridership and local service jobs — and expressed union support for legislative measures that would sustain research and construction work. Kenny said unions want to partner on workforce training and apprenticeship approaches that connect locally trained workers to campus construction and operations.

Panelists asked that the committee consider the ripple effects on unemployment insurance funds, local businesses and families if university capital spending declines. They urged coordination between higher education and workforce programs so that construction opportunities created by research and capital projects continue to support union apprenticeships, jobs and benefits.

No formal vote or committee action occurred during the Sept. 11 session; witnesses and committee members discussed follow‑up materials and possible further briefings.