Union workers graduate from construction-focused ESL class

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More than a dozen participants in a union-led English as a second language class have graduated in Milwaukee.

Ironworkers Local 8 and the Laborers Local 113 organized the class, which teaches English to Hispanic construction workers incorporating construction terms and scenarios. While regional technical colleges and other organizations have ESL classes, organizers said their class is the first in Wisconsin with a construction focus.

The construction workforce relies heavily on an immigrant workforce and the industry seeks to recruit hundreds of thousands of workers to meet demand. In 2023, the share of immigrants in construction reached 25.5% and one in three crafts workers were born outside the U.S., the National Association of Home Builders reported.

On Monday, course graduates were given certificates at La Finca Coffeehouse in St. Francis, in time for the Mexican holiday of Cinco de Mayo. Graduates received a goodie bag with socks, hats and cozies and participated in a raffle with power tool prizes.

Raul, who works in concrete, said this class helped him communicate with foremen and supervisors at job sites. In some cases, most of the trades on a given job site spoke Spanish exclusively, he added.

Overcoming the language barrier was important for safety and efficiency on the job, said José Martin of Ironworkers Local 8. The ESL classes were tool for organizing and other life lessons as well, as every class participant was represented by a union.

Class was funded by the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement – Milwaukee Area Chapter and the Wisconsin Building Trades Council. Supporting trades at Monday’s event included the Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers District Council of Wisconsin, Insulators Union Local 19, North Central States Regional Council of Carpenters and AFSCME Council 32.

Speaking at the event were Juan Miguel Martinez, a Milwaukee County Supervisor representing the 12th district, and Dan Bukiewicz, president of the Milwaukee Construction & Building Trades Council and mayor of Oak Creek.

On May 31, organizers will host “La Pulga,” a rummage sale at the Zocalo Food Truck Park at 636 S. 6th St in Milwaukee. Proceeds will be used to fund the next semester of ESL classes.