ABCSEMI Issue 1, 2021

2 Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc. Dear ABC Friends, ABC members often evaluate their membership as an economic calculation—how much does annual membership cost, and am I going to recoup at least that much money in discounts and referrals? It’s a logical analysis. What’s missing is a full recognition of the unique ideals ABC promotes and how it impacts state and federal policy. And there’s no other organization who is promoting those ideals which are essential to your business and your personal values like ABC does. If ABC disappeared tomorrow, who would stand up for you in Washington and Lansing? The 2020 elections are over and the outcome has left many in the construction industry concerned. The differences between Donald Trump and Joe Biden couldn’t be more striking. Biden favors higher taxes, government shutdowns, and union organizing. The U.S. Congress passed a bill last session you need to know about—the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act, H.R. 2474. It would repeal much of the landmark Taft-Hartley Act of 1947. Biden’s plans include that legislation and more: » Eliminating Right-to-Work protections for workers in Michigan who don’t want to be part of a labor union » Eliminating secret ballots in union elections » Requiring companies to provide employee personal information including email addresses and cell phone numbers to union organizers, without worker consent » Codifying Obama’s “ambush” election rule, shortening the notice for quick union organizing votes » Implementing the joint employer rule, making it easier to unionize subcontractors » Bailing out mismanaged union pension funds If Democrats are successful in Washington, the Wall Street Journal recently opined that “union power over workers and leverage over employers, will expand more than it has in 85 years.” ABC spent hundreds of thousands of dollars in Georgia to help ensure at least one branch of the federal government remains Merit Shop. Unfortunately, those efforts were unsuccessful. In Michigan, ABC actively opposed (and even filed a lawsuit against) Governor Whitmer’s shutdown of businesses and her excessive stay-home orders. And ABC contributed over $100,000 to Unlock Michigan. Other construction associations didn’t want to upset an incumbent governor, so they were silent while ABC stood up. There isn’t another industry association that fights for your interests the way ABC does. Your 2021 membership is even more crucial than at any time in recent history. With a new Democrat president, US House of Representatives, and US Senate, you need a voice now more than ever. Don’t just sit on the sidelines. Be an active participant and an influential member of your association. Sincerely, Keith Ledbetter | President and CEO ABC Southeastern Michigan Chapter KEITH LEDBETTER ABC SEMI President President’s Letter