Laborers’ Local 348 introduces initiative to educate, encourage community
Richland, Wash., Aug. 7, 2019 – Laborers’ Local 348 and WorkSource hosted a
graduation ceremony for the first DALEC class in the Tri-Cities. The Direct Access to
Laborers Education and Careers (DALEC) program provides preparatory construction
training to community members. Upon graduating, successful participants get direct
entry into the Northwest Laborers’ Apprenticeship Program. DALEC’s goal is to reach
underrepresented groups, like women and people of color, to help fill labor demands
and build lasting careers.
“Being a proud member of LIUNA and the Tri-Cities community means we want to create
livelihoods for our neighbors. We want our brothers and sisters to learn skills that will uplift
themselves and their families. ”
– Kayne Segura, Business Manager/Secretary-Treasurer, Laborers’ Local 348
With a nationwide labor shortage, the introduction of this program to the Tri-Cities
area, will reinforce a standard for construction safety and skills but also provide more
opportunities for the community at large. Laborers’ Local 348 anticipates the need for
skilled laborers and wants to be proactive on local hire while supporting members
with healthcare, free training and retirement benefits.
Laborers’ Local 348, a branch of the Laborers’ International Union of North
America (LIUNA), represents the proud men and women in the Tri-Cities
and surrounding areas. LIUNA members are a skilled and experienced
workforce trained to work safely in the construction and energy industries.
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