AFL-CIO Wisconsin State Building Trades Honors Governor Tony Evers for Union-Friendly Policies

Strategic Insights -

Governor Tony Evers was honored by the AFL-CIO Wisconsin State Building Trades for his commitment to labor-friendly policies and statewide building projects. The union workforce praised Evers for partnering with them to invest in the state's construction projects, including a $2.6 billion state building program. Evers' support for workers has been demonstrated through his vetoes of legislation deemed harmful to unions, including a bill that would have exempted app-based drivers from state minimum wage and unemployment insurance laws.

Key Takeaways:

  • The AFL-CIO Wisconsin State Building Trades awarded Governor Tony Evers for his commitment to labor-friendly policies and his support for statewide building projects, including a $2.6 billion state building program.
  • The union workforce praised Evers for partnering with them to invest in the state's construction projects, including a $1.1 billion investment in the University of Wisconsin System.
  • Evers vetoed legislation that would have exempted app-based drivers from state minimum wage and unemployment insurance laws, as well as a proposal to study the expansion of Interstate 94 in western Waukesha County.
  • Labor officials credited Evers with being a champion for working people and for safely using his veto pen to protect workers from legislation passed by anti-worker politicians in Madison.
  • Evers' support for workers has been demonstrated through his vetoes of several bills, including 2025 Assembly Bill 269, which would have created "portable benefits accounts" for drivers for app-based services.

Statistics:

  • The $2.6 billion state building program includes $1.1 billion for the University of Wisconsin System.
  • The program also includes $50 million for the state Building Commission for construction projects across the state.
  • 3% increases were earmarked for general transportation aids.
  • The 2023-25 state budget veto message mentioned a lack of dialogue and engagement between stakeholders.

Sources:

  • "Union construction in Wisconsin last week awarded Gov. Tony Evers for his policy decisions affecting organized labor." (Source: The Blueprint, [no date])
  • "AFL-CIO Wisconsin State Building Trades on Thursday handed out the award at the Hotel Verdant in Racine for partnering with the union workforce and investing in statewide building projects." (Source: The Blueprint, [no date])
  • "Evers vetoed 2025 Assembly Bill 269, which would have created "portable benefits accounts" for drivers for app-based services such as Uber and Lyft and require drivers to pay for benefits instead of employers." (Source: The Blueprint, [no date])