Building Power at the Capitol: DC11 VOC Visits the LOB

🏗️ Last month, members of our Volunteer Organizing Committee (VOC) took their advocacy to the next level with a visit to the Legislative Office Building (LOB) in Hartford, CT.

During the visit, VOC members met with Senator Jorge Cabrera, Senate President Pro Tempore Martin Looney, and Senator Bob Duff to learn about the legislative processes that impact how construction jobs are awarded in our state. These conversations were eye-opening, especially for members who are used to seeing a job only once boots are on the ground.

Why it matters

Many members only see a job once it’s already underway—but so much of that work begins long before we set foot on the site. Who gets awarded that job? Was there a Project Labor Agreement (PLA)? Were union contractors given a fair chance to bid?

Our visit to the LOB was about seeing the full picture—and recognizing that union members are also constituents with power. By building relationships with lawmakers, we can fight for stronger labor standards and fair opportunities on publicly funded projects.

What we learned

VOC members met with:

• Senator Jorge Cabrera
• Senate President Pro Tempore Martin Looney
• Senator Bob Duff

Together, we discussed how jobs are awarded, how PLAs are influenced, and how everyday members can appeal to local leaders to advocate for union work.

Impact

This visit was more than symbolic—it was about empowering our members with knowledge and tools to protect and expand union work. When we participate in the political process, we help secure good jobs, safer worksites, and a better future for all tradespeople.

**When we organize, educate, and engage—**we win.

#UnionStrong #VOCinAction #DC11 #WorkersRights #CTPolitics #PLApower #BuildTheMovement