Unions Blast Workforce Development Bill

This week unions lined up to take shots at a bill that would increase participation in and exposure to manufacturing and construction jobs. House Bill 551 would allow 16- and 17-year olds to work in certain manufacturing or construction jobs as long as safety and training are provided.

Manufacturers have long wanted to expose high school students to manufacturing careers in order for the students to understand what careers in manufacturing exist. However unions, mostly aligned with the construction trades, testified that the bill did not provide enough for the construction industry.

The House indicated it would work on the bill over the summer recess. 6/28/2018