At the 2026 NABTU Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C., Mike Hellstrom International VP Eastern Regional Manager for the Laborers International Union of North America delivered a powerful and grounded message that reflects the very heart of the union labor movement—advocacy, unity, and building a stronger America from the ground up.

Representing thousands of hardworking men and women across New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Puerto Rico, and beyond through the Laborers' International Union of North America, Hellstrom reminded us why this moment matters.

Standing Up for Workers on Capitol Hill

This conference wasn’t just a gathering—it was a mission.

Union leaders came together with a clear purpose:
to ensure the voices of working people are heard where decisions are made.

Hellstrom emphasized the importance of engaging directly with federal legislators—advocating for policies that:

• Protect prevailing wages
• Expand Project Labor Agreements (PLAs)
• Strengthen registered apprenticeship programs
• Preserve access to middle-class careers

His message was simple but powerful:
👉 If we want to build America, we must invest in American workers.

“American First” Starts with Union Labor

In a time when national priorities are front and center, Hellstrom made it clear that an “American First” agenda must begin with the workforce that builds the nation.

That means:

• Putting union workers on the job
• Ensuring projects are built with skill, safety, and dignity
• Delivering infrastructure that reflects the strength of our workforce

Because when union labor leads, communities thrive.

🏗️ Building Infrastructure, Building Futures

From roads and bridges to schools, energy systems, and public works—union labor is not just constructing projects, it’s building opportunity.

Hellstrom’s message reinforced that:

• Infrastructure investment = workforce investment
• Apprenticeships = pathways to lifelong careers
• Union contracts = stability for families and communities

Feel the Power of Unity

There was an undeniable energy behind his words—a call to action for every member, leader, and partner across the trades:

Stay engaged. Stay united. Keep showing up.

Because progress doesn’t happen by accident—it happens when workers stand together and demand a seat at the table.

ULA Network Takeaway 

This is exactly what union labor represents:

Support • Educate • Promote

Messages like Mike Hellstrom’s remind us that behind every policy, every project, and every piece of infrastructure—there are real people, real families, and real futures being built.

📢 Call to Action

Want to learn more about how union labor is shaping America’s future?

👉 Follow the work of the Laborers' International Union of North America
👉 Stay connected with North America's Building Trades Unions initiatives
👉 Join the movement to Support • Educate • Promote Union Labor & Our Communities

About the Union Labor Advisory Network (ULAnetwork)

The ULA Network is dedicated to honoring the strength and solidarity of union labor by educating, connecting, and empowering individuals through shared experiences, opportunities, and support. Our mission is to uplift families and communities by promoting the value of union careers, economic development, and workforce resilience. Through collaboration and storytelling, we aim to build a future where every person understands the power of unity, dignity in work, and the promise of a better tomorrow. http://www.ulanetwork.com Subscribe to the ULA Network for more interviews, insights, and inspiration about union labor, skilled trades, and the opportunities waiting for you in the construction industry!

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