Union leaders and more than 350 union workers rally behind project citing economic development, job creation, training opportunities, and positive impact on region
Yesterday three major trade groups from throughout Philadelphia joined together at a labor rally to express support for the proposed Philadelphia 76ers arena –76 Place at Market East – in Center City, Philadelphia. The Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters (EASRCC), Philadelphia Building & Construction Trades Council, and the General Building Contractors Association (GBCA) shared with their members the many ways the construction and ongoing operations of the arena will support economic development, high-paying jobs creation, and training opportunities for thousands of union members across the region.
The rally took place at the offices of The Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters and was attended by upwards of 350 union workers. The three groups in attendance represent more than 100,000 skilled workers from around the region.
“We truly believe 76 Place will serve as a catalyst for the revitalization of Center City and are thankful that these important organizations share in our vision of what it means for job creation, as well as economic opportunity for local workers and their families,” said David Adelman, Chairman of 76 Devcorp. “These are the groups that literally build our city and make it run. We remain steadfast in our commitment to ensuring this project benefits all Philadelphians and that certainly includes those who will build the arena from the ground up.”
The 76 Place at Market East development project will have an estimated $1.9 billion in overall economic output during construction and $400 million annually upon opening to support Philadelphia’s long-term economic growth and sustainability.
“David has not been shy about fighting for this project on behalf of union workers,” said William Sproule, Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters. “He is all over the city sharing the facts and pushing against the false narratives about this job creating project. We are excited to partner with fierce advocates for workforce development such as 76 DevCorp and I know our members will speak up as well to show the city what union strong really means.”
The project will create 9,000 construction-related jobs during the construction phase and 1,000 permanent jobs once it opens. The project also has the potential to create more than 25,000 additional ancillary construction jobs through additional development that it would catalyze on Market Street.
The Philadelphia 76ers see the need to build a new arena for the 76ers – a project that will invest well over $1 billion in Philadelphia – as a significant opportunity to accelerate and expand its commitment to equitable development. With more than 5 years before a likely construction start, and nearly a decade before a new arena would open, there is an opportunity to build on existing work to create a real infrastructure of empowerment and wealth creation for minority and under-represented communities.
The 76ers recently unveiled several initiatives that would create and support economic opportunity for the local Black community, which includes a partnership with Everybody Builds to grow a pipeline of diverse talent and contractors from communities of color across Philadelphia. The team will continue to unveil additional commitments to ensure that workers from underrepresented communities have meaningful representation and opportunity.
“This project has the potential not only to create opportunity for current union members, but also for the next generation of workers in our city,” said Ryan Boyer, business manager of the Philadelphia Building and Construction Trades Council. “The 76ers and others have had the foresight to start investing in years ahead of time to create pathways into union membership for Black and Brown Philadelphians through efforts like Everybody Builds – which is creating a strong partnership between developers, the business community and building trade unions like ourselves to create community wealth. The economic benefits are truly limitless and this can be the model for development done right.”
“We are excited for all the opportunities for collaboration that this project presents,” said Benjamin Connors, President & CEO of the General Building and Contractors Association. “Our organization, along with the others participating in this rally, represent the best interest of thousands of union workers and contractors in the region. The arena development will unlock thousands of jobs and opportunities for career advancement that will keep top talent living and working in and around Philadelphia.”
