News Briefs
Date Posted: February 23 2018
IBEW dad declines funds
The following are statements from Randy Margraves and IBEW Local 665 regarding the GoFundMe online fundraiser that raised $31,311 to help Randy, a member of IBEW Local 665 who is the father of three daughters abused by Larry Nassar. After his actions against Nassar in court earlier this month, Randy was the recipient of the online fundraiser, much of which came from supportive IBEW members locally and across the country.
While Randy deeply appreciates the outpouring of support, he says it is not needed for him. Those who donated to the fundraiser can choose to either get a refund or leave the donation to be given to charities that help survivors of sexual abuse. After March 9, any remaining funds in the account will be donated to local charities like Small Talk, RAVE, and the Firecracker Foundation.“At the time of the incident, I didn’t know that the great brotherhood had done this, and I was overcome with gratitude when I found out,” said Margraves in a statement. “I appreciate everyone stepping up to support me, but help is not needed for me. After giving people the chance to get a refund, the donations will go to organizations that help the sisterhood of survivors and other victims of abuse.”
No charges were filed against Margraves, who made a run at Nassar in court. The former USA Gymnastics and Michigan State University doctor was sentenced up to 175 years in prison after more than 150 women and girls said in court that he sexually abused them over the past two decades.
A statement from Lansing IBEW Local 665 said: “IBEW 665 unequivocally supports Randy, his family, and all of the survivors of these horrible crimes. This situation has demonstrated the strength of the bond among our union brothers and sisters. It’s uplifting to see how willing people are to support those in need, and we’re glad to see the money going to organizations that help survivors of abuse.”
Good start for industry in 2018
Good start for industry in 2018
The construction industry is starting 2018 off on the right foot.
Construction employment increased by 36,000 jobs in January to the highest level since August 2008, the Associated General Contractors said Feb. 2.
"The outlook remains positive for further growth in the industry,” said Ken Simonson, the AGC’s chief economist. “But finding workers to complete all projects will be a challenge with unemployment so low overall and in construction.”
"The outlook remains positive for further growth in the industry,” said Ken Simonson, the AGC’s chief economist. “But finding workers to complete all projects will be a challenge with unemployment so low overall and in construction.”
Construction employment totaled 7.09 million in January, a gain of 36,000 for the month and 226,000, or 3.3 percent, over 12 months. The economist pointed out that the year-over-year growth rate in industry jobs was more than double the 1.5 percent rise in total nonfarm payroll employment.
The Dodge Data and Analytics Momentum Index dropped 5.1 percent for the month, but it was still 7.7 percent higher than a year ago.
Average hourly earnings in construction climbed to $29.33, a rise of 2.9 percent from a year earlier.