Gov. Gregoire discusses worker safety, trades programs at state convention

For Immediate Release: July 31, 2008

Gov. Chris Gregoire spoke to the Washington State Building and Construction Trades Council, where she acknowledged the hard work of its members and pledged to continue her work to improve conditions for working families. Gregoire also announced that today Forbes ranked Washington the 3rd �best state for business,� up from its 5th place ranking in 2007.

�I�m honored to be here this morning with the people who have built Washington and who will build our great state in the years ahead,� Gregoire said. �Your unique skills support our infrastructure and keep our economy thriving.�

Gregoire said she would continue to improve worker safety, protect workers� wages and push for more training and apprenticeship programs. During her administration, Gregoire has worked to reform the unemployment compensation program, helped set up effective vocational rehabilitation programs for injured workers, and, along with Mike Gregoire, helped promote the Helmets to Hardhats program to assist returning veterans find trade apprenticeships.

In addition, Gregoire has directed the development of rules and programs to improve crane safety and protect against job-related heat stress.

�When I think of job safety, I picture a mom or a dad returning home at the end of a good day�s work to a family happy to see them,� Gregoire said. �It�s my job to help make sure that we get these folks home safely to their loved ones.�

Gregoire thanked the council for its help in building a high-quality education system, and acknowledged its commitment to provide health care coverage to its workers and their families. The governor also credited the council for its push to provide family-wage jobs.

The Washington State Building and Construction Trades Council is a voluntary coalition of more than 60 construction-related labor organizations. The Building Trades Council provides organized representation before the state Legislature, as well as numerous boards and commissions.