Building Trades first labor group to back Kulongoski for re-election


The Oregon State Building and Construction Trades Council (OSBCTC), the statewide organization representing a majority of Oregon’s construction unions, has endorsed Democrat Ted Kulongoski in his bid for a second term as Oregon governor.

“Ted Kulongoski has been a very good governor for the state of Oregon. His commitment to getting Oregonians back to work has been effective and is a breath of fresh air for Oregon politics,” said Bob Shiprack, executive secretary of OSBCTC. “Governor Kulongoski has earned the endorsement of our 30,000 members and their families.”

Construction trades delegates praised Kulongoski for his work in rebuilding Oregon’s economy and for supporting critical trades issues, ranging from prevailing wages to working conditions. Kulongoski was commended for bringing jobs back to Oregon following the state’s economic downturn in 2001, and for improving the state’s fiscal affairs. He also received high acclaim for securing much-needed capital improvements in the state’s transportation infrastructure, which had gone lacking for too many years.

“Ted has balanced job creation and our environment. He appreciates both, as do most Oregonians,” said Shiprack. “The governor has accomplished a great deal without the normal political bragging, and the Oregon Building and Construction Trades members appreciate his efforts.”

Shiprack also recognized Kulongoski’s efforts as insurance commissioner “in establishing Oregon’s revamped workers’ compensation system that protects injured workers, which is now the envy of many other states.” He added that the Oregon governor played a key role in the creation of construction jobs by streamlining the state’s construction permitting process. Shiprack noted that job growth spurred by Kulongoski’s initiatives has attracted more young adults into the field, enhancing the future vitality of Oregon’s construction trades.

The Oregon State Building and Construction Trades Council is an umbrella organization comprised of 26 affiliated union locals representing more than 30,000 construction workers.


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