FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 11, 2022
Contact: [email protected]
Gov. Whitmer Highlights Michigan’s Construction Job Growth, Manufacturing Workforce Recovery
5,700 more construction jobs since the governor took office, 99% of manufacturing jobs lost in first two months of pandemic have been recovered, with thousands more on the way
LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer celebrated growth in Michigan’s construction industry since she took office and highlighted building momentum in the manufacturing sector. Since she took office, there are 5,700 more construction jobs and 99% of the manufacturing jobs lost in the first two months of the pandemic have been recovered with many more on the way.
“Michigan is home to hardworking construction and auto workers who helped our state build the middle class and put the world on wheels over the last century,” said Governor Whitmer. “In the last few years, we have grown our construction workforce and have strong momentum as our manufacturing workforce grows. There is still plenty of work to do to grow both of these industries, and I will work with anyone to ensure hardworking Michiganders have paths to land high-skill construction or manufacturing jobs with good pay and great benefits. Let’s keep getting it done.”
“As jobs grow in Michigan’s auto sector, construction jobs also increase. This represents health in our industries and economy,” said Ray Curry, UAW President. “Our members are grateful to Governor Whitmer for the priority she has placed on creating jobs in the state. Unions will do our part to ensure that these are good, high paying jobs that can support Michigan families.”
“Governor Whitmer’s leadership not only helped keep us all safe during the pandemic, but it has also set Michigan up for even greater success and economic growth going forward,” said Tom Lutz, Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters and Millwrights. “We are seeing unprecedented demand for our skilled trades workforce to build Michigan’s infrastructure and support the billions of dollars of new investment coming to our state for battery plants, chip plants, auto factories, solar fields, and more. Thank you, Governor Whitmer, for your work to help create these opportunities for working men and women throughout Michigan.”
"Under the leadership of Governor Gretchen Whitmer, we have seen historic investments in Michigan's working families," said Ron Bieber, President of the Michigan AFL-CIO. "Her dedication to job growth in the manufacturing and construction industries means more good-paying union jobs for hardworking Michiganders across our great state and proves that Michigan will be the leader in innovation for years to come."
Construction Job Growth
In December 2018, before the governor took office, Michigan had 171,200 construction jobs. As of August 2022, there are 176,900 construction jobs in Michigan, a gain of 5,700 jobs.
Manufacturing Momentum
In March 2020, Michigan had 616,700 manufacturing jobs. In April 2020, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, that dropped to 402,500. As of August 2022, Michigan has 609,600 manufacturing jobs, meaning the state has recovered 99% of the jobs lost from March to April.
30,000+ Auto Jobs Announced
Since the governor took office, Michigan has announced over 30,000 auto jobs. This includes major investments from the Big Three automakers, several notable auto suppliers, and projects advancing the future of mobility and electrification, including two just last week from Gotion and Our Next Energy, bringing 4,462 jobs to Michigan.
Supporting 89,000 Jobs Rebuilding Roads and Bridges
By the end of 2022, Governor Whitmer and Lt. Governor Gilchrist will have fixed, repaired, or replaced more than 16,000 lane miles of road and 1,200 bridges, supporting more than 89,000 jobs without raising taxes by a dime. These and future repairs are made possible by the Rebuilding Michigan plan, a five-year, $3.5 billion investment in our highways and bridges, and the bipartisan Building Michigan Together Plan, the largest one-time investment in Michigan's infrastructure in state history. These strategic investments in Michigan's infrastructure ensure that future Michiganders will have safer roads and bridges to run errands, travel, and strengthen the economy.
Learn more about the Whitmer-Gilchrist Administration’s historic infrastructure investments by clicking on the following link: Infrastructure Accomplishments.
###
| STAY CONNECTED: | |||
 |
 |
|
|
|
Subscriber Services:: |
|
||||
