NABTU President Condemns Job Cancellations Amid Federal Shutdown Chaos

Washington, D.C.— In a striking turn of events for the construction sector, Sean McGarvey, President of the North America’s Building Trades Unions (NABTU), has voiced grave concerns about the recent cascade of project cancellations and government shutdowns. Highlighting the turmoil faced by workers, McGarvey warned of a looming economic crisis within the industry.

In the past two days, significant cancellations and delays have led to the withdrawal of approximately $28 billion in federal funding from various states. This situation threatens over 300 Department of Energy project awards, impacting key transportation projects in major cities such as New York and Chicago. McGarvey emphasized that these developments are far more than mere headlines; they represent real threats to construction jobs and add to market instability nationwide.

Among the halted projects are the Pacific Northwest Hydrogen Hub and California’s ARCHES Hub, which were expected to generate over 135,000 construction jobs. These initiatives were planned with project labor agreements to ensure stability and a skilled workforce, receiving bipartisan support due to their potential to bolster the hydrogen sector and enhance national security.

McGarvey pointed out a stark reality: "Unlike Members of Congress, building trades workers only get paid when they show up to work." This uncertainty threatens livelihoods, as workers rely on these projects for their income. He criticized political inaction, noting that memes and social media disputes fail to address the financial needs of families dependent on construction jobs.

The call to action is clear—NABTU’s members are prepared to work, but need legislative bodies and the White House to prioritize resolving these issues. McGarvey urges political leaders to set aside differences and act swiftly to address the crisis affecting American workers.

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Media Contact: Betsy Barrett, (202) 997-3266 | bbarrett@nabtu.org

About NABTU: North America’s Building Trades Unions represents over 3 million skilled craft professionals across the U.S. and Canada. Investing nearly $2 billion annually into apprenticeship training, NABTU is committed to reinforcing the economic security and opportunities for its members while ensuring high standards in wages and benefits. For more details, visit nabtu.org.