[oldembed src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WVwViCK_GJE" width="425" height="215" resize="1" fid="21"]

In a great example of a proactive way to deal with unemployment, the Laborers' International Union of North America (LiUNA) partnered with Community Churches United for Baltimore Jobs to give job training in the construction trades to unemployed workers. In a sharp contrast to the developers in Baltimore who are receiving massive tax breaks, the faith-based coalition requested help from the labor union in helping get unemployed workers the skills they need to get back into the workforce.

From the press release about Thursday's event:

"As a long-time Baltimore resident I am appalled that members of our communities, who are willing and able to work, are routinely left out of conversations with developers when it comes to local jobs," said David Stokes, a local LiUNA! trainer. "We have hundreds of workers who have reached out to us from throughout Baltimore who are willing to be trained so that they can help rebuild their own communities."

Currently, Community Churches United for Baltimore Jobs is working to bring attention to EBDI to hear the community's cry for local job opportunities. Community Churches United for Baltimore Jobs is calling on (EBDI) to implement a Community Workforce Agreement with the following provisions:



• Goal of 50% Baltimore city residents with aggressive recruitment from the communities directly affected by the project


• Goal for apprentices and new entry-level workers to be 20% of total workforce



Community Churches United for Baltimore Jobs is a faith-based alliance comprised of congregations whose goal is to uplift the community by helping residents attain their full potential through local job training and spiritual guidance.