General President McManus Discusses Infrastructure, All-of-the-Above Energy Approach at White House with President Biden, Labor Leaders

Wednesday, February 17, 2021

United Association of Union Plumbers and Pipefitters (UA) General President Mark McManus met today with President Joseph R. Biden, Jr., Vice President Kamala Harris, and labor leaders at the White House to discuss infrastructure, energy priorities, and protecting UA jobs.

“I was honored to join the President and Vice President this afternoon to discuss critical issues facing the United Association and our members. This White House understands that the only path to building back better runs through organized labor – and is built by the men and women of the United Association,” said Mark McManus, General President of the United Association.

“I urged the President to ensure strong labor protections, like prevailing wage and project labor agreements, are in place on any federally funded projects and to go big on infrastructure – this bill should not cover only roads and bridges, but our energy and pipeline systems as well. We spoke of the importance of an all-of-the-above energy approach to continue providing safe, reliable, and affordable energy to American families while protecting UA jobs, including our efforts to repair existing pipelines. In addition, I urged the President to provide funding and permitting to not only maintain and repair existing nuclear power plants, but to expand and pursue new projects in this carbon-neutral, green, and efficient energy source.”

“Emerging technologies like hydrogen and carbon capture sequestration mean we can continue to pursue our shared climate goals while ensuring UA members have good-paying jobs with fair benefits and hard-earned retirement security. I hope the President and both parties in Congress will find common ground, because energy and infrastructure are not partisan issues.”

“President Biden and Vice President Harris remain committed to protecting organized labor and the rights of working people across the country. I was proud to meet with them today on behalf of the more than 359,000 Brothers and Sisters of the United Association and to reiterate our commitment to working with elected officials of both parties to pursue policies that will create and protect good-paying UA jobs.”