News

Yesterday, the Wall Street Journal reported on the stop-work order for Revolution Wind, a major offshore wind project already 80% complete. The halt puts hundreds of local union jobs and paychecks at risk, threatening not only the workers and their families but also the economic momentum that typically follows large infrastructure projects.  

Today, the Boston Globe Editorial Board highlighted Elizabeth Schmidt, a fourth-year apprentice with Local 1121, who shared her perspective on the stop-work order. Her son, also a member of Local 1121 and a first-year apprentice, works on the project as well, making this a double blow for their family. Their story puts faces and families behind the headlines, illustrating how quickly policy decisions can ripple through communities and impact livelihoods.

Below are excerpts from the article.

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“Schmidt, a 40-year-old mother of three, said her first response to the stop-work order was panic. “You don’t know if you’re going to get your next paycheck,” she said. “I rely on my work.” Weeks later, there has been little clarity from the federal government.

She is heading back to sea on Wednesday but has no idea if she will be allowed to work.

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Schmidt just worked during the two weeks she was meant to spend with her family, trying to create a financial buffer in case her work at Revolution Wind doesn’t return. While working offshore, she puts in 84 hours a week — a salary that unemployment just can’t cover.

Her 20-year old son, a first-year apprentice, also works on Revolution Wind.

“My prayers are that things will resolve themselves and we’ll be back to work,” she said. “We are almost at the finish line.””