Organized Labor Urges U.S. House to Pass HR 4115 to Create 3,000 Good Jobs for Michigan

DETROIT, June 20 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Labor groups led by the United Auto Workers (UAW), Building Trades and Operating Engineers are urging the U.S. House of Representatives to pass HR 4115, which would create more than 3,000 good jobs for Michigan by settling a century-old land claim for the state's largest Indian tribe.

HR 4115, which may be voted on by the full U.S. House next week, would resolve a 120-year-old illegal land taking from the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians in an area now known as Charlotte Beach in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. The legislation effectively creates a land swap that ends an ugly chapter in Michigan history when land was stolen from the Sault Tribe and another U.P. tribe. Federal approval of the land swap extinguishes lingering court cases.

The legislation, passed 22-5 on Feb. 13 by the U.S. House Committee on Natural Resources, would create new trust lands for the Sault Tribe in Romulus or Flint, Michigan. On the new trust lands the Sault Tribe would build a modern casino/hotel resort. The $300 million project would create more than 3,000 good jobs with high wages and full benefits. Also under the agreement, the Tribe will pay more than $30 million a year to the State of Michigan and millions more to local communities.

Labor groups supporting HR 4115 include the UAW, the International Union of Operating Engineers and the Michigan Building and Construction Trades Council of Asbestos Workers; Bricklayers; Boilermakers; Cement Masons; Electrical Workers; Elevator Constructors; Glaziers & Glassworkers; Heat & Frost Insulators; Iron Workers; Laborers; Painters; Plasterers; Plumbers & Pipefitters; Roofers & Waterproofers; Sheet Metal Workers; Sign Pictorial & Display Workers; and Sprinkle Fitters.

"With Michigan currently leading the nation with the highest unemployment rate, it is critical that new employment opportunities are created to replace the recent loss of nearly 250,000 manufacturing jobs," said Patrick "Shorty" Gleason, President of the Michigan Building and Construction Trades Council. "I strongly support HR 4115 because it will provide thousands of employment opportunities in southeastern Michigan for working families."

John Hamilton, Business Manager and General Vice President of the International Union of Operating Engineers, offered similar support.

"We are in desperate need of new employment opportunities," Hamilton said. "Business development of this size will generate additional spending and investments in the region that will benefit all of southeastern Michigan, and the entire state."

In a letter sent today to members of the U.S. House, the UAW said it "strongly supports" HR 4115 and HR 2176 because the legislation would create jobs, keep gaming revenues in the United States, and provide a much needed economic boost to the communities where the new casinos would open. The UAW also noted that the bills are consistent with state law in Michigan and with past land claim settlements approved by Congress for other tribes.

"For all of the foregoing reasons, the UAW strongly supports HR 2176 and HR 4115," the union said in its letter. "We urge you to vote for these bills when they are considered by the House and to oppose any weakening amendments."

HR 4115 is also backed by a large number of Democrats and Republicans, including former Michigan Gov. John M. Engler (a Republican); current Gov. Jennifer Granholm (a Democrat); U.S. Reps. John Dingell, Dale Kildee and Bart Stupak (all Democrats); Rep. Candace Miller (a Republican who backs a similar land claim settlement in HR 2176 for the Bay Mills Indian Community and Port Huron); and many more.

In addition, voters in Romulus and Flint have passed ballot proposals approving tribal casinos on lands acquired through the resolution found in the legislation.

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians

CONTACT: Jake Miklojcik, +1-517-482-0790, Cell +1-517-896-7676, for
Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians

-------
Profile: labor-news