How a Union Member Elected Official Is Transforming His Hometown

On Tuesday, semiconductor company Micron Technology announced the exciting news that it plans to invest $100 billion for a new advanced manufacturing complex in Syracuse, New York. The computer chip project is the largest private investment in New York state history and is estimated to create tens of thousands of jobs, many of them good union jobs, in this high-tech American industry. It wouldn’t have been possible without the recently passed CHIPS and Science Act—and the tireless advocacy of a union member who represents Syracuse in the state legislature.

John Mannion was elected to the New York State Senate in 2020. A longtime union leader and member of New York State United Teachers-AFT/NEA (NYSUT-AFT/NEA), his campaign received enthusiastic support from upstate New York’s labor movement. Mannion’s been a champion for union members and all working people during his time in office, including passing legislation he created to boost semiconductor manufacturing in New York state.

Unions, including the United Association of Union Plumbers and Pipefitters (UA), warmly welcomed Tuesday’s announcement. Mannion promised, “My priorities moving forward are making sure construction jobs are local, and securing the significant infrastructure and workforce investments a project of this magnitude demands.” And progress like this shows what union members can achieve when we’re elected to positions of power.