Huntington Place/ASM Global announced 1 June that Detroit, USA-based Huntington Place has rolled out measures designed specifically to improve union relations in the venue.
These include participation in future workforce development, quarterly meetings with union leadership, and a new position of public safety operations manager among others.
The new role of public safety operations manager as part of the Public Safety department, serves as liaison between union labour and venue management for day-to-day operations concentrating on exhibit hall floors and dock locations.
Public safety supervisor Matt Lancaster was promoted to the position. In his new position, Lancaster will work closely with general service contractors and their union labour to develop strategies and policies associated with maintaining a safe and secure environment in Huntington Place, among other responsibilities.
Quarterly meetings including collaborative agendas with labour and management are now held regularly. Several new amenities for labour have been established in the venue, in addition to a new protocol for trouble reports including a response requirement from management within 24 hours or the next business day.
A new program at Huntington Place includes student group tours coordinated by various union trades along with Lancaster. Recently the IBEW Local 58, Detroit Workforce for the Future, and the Operating Engineers Local 324 brought in students to give them exposure to the skilled trades and encourage them to see trade work as a possible career.
The Detroit Workforce for the Future is a 16-week free training program that introduces high school students to the construction industry. For the sixth consecutive year, the program is available to Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) at Cody, Osborn, Pershing, Chandler Park Academy, Covenant House Academy, and Randolph High Schools.
Detroit Workforce of the Future is the result of a partnership with construction industry associations, unions, schools, and other local agencies. Graduates receive free tools, work boots, and safety gear and are paid an hourly wage as part of the program.
“We see the value in exposing the next generation to a career in the skilled trades,” said Karen Totaro, general manager for Huntington Place/ASM Global. “They see a show being built and start understanding the organised construction by various local union labourers working together to accomplish a successful event.
“It is the best way to get them excited about considering a career here.”
