Philadelphia's carpenters union is set to witness significant changes with the proposed Sixers arena. William C. Sproule, the union's executive secretary-treasurer, emphasizes how this project will aid in diversifying their ranks. In the past six years, diversity among workers in the Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters apprenticeship program has more than doubled, rising from around 10% to 25%. These are high-paying jobs, with apprentices starting at $18 an hour and graduates beginning at $53 an hour, including benefits and a pension.

Apprenticeship Opportunities and Advancement

Sproule notes that the apprenticeship program is in the process of being accredited, and in about a year, apprentices will graduate with an associate's degree. He foresees many veteran members retiring soon, creating ample room for advancement. By bringing in new members who can be trained by those planning to retire, the union can ensure a skilled workforce that can complete projects on time, within budget, and safely. This is crucial for construction companies as they seek to fill leadership positions.

For young people looking for a career path and not necessarily bound for college, these carpentry jobs offer a great opportunity. As Sproule said, "When you're a young man or a young woman and you're looking for a career path and you're not necessarily college-bound, 10 years later they turn around and say it's the best thing they've ever done."

The union won't be alone in expanding its workforce with the arena project. Demolition work will be handled by laborers who need additional help, and electricians and other building trades members will want to hire more. These are examples of the "good-paying" jobs that the Philadelphia region constantly needs.

Community and Economic Implications

The arena project received preliminary approval last week in Philadelphia City Council, despite opposition from neighborhoods surrounding the Market East site. Full approval is expected this Thursday, and Mayor Cherelle Parker is expected to sign the agreement. Opponents argue that the deal will come at a tremendous cost to the city, not just to Chinatown and nearby areas.

Reclaim Philly executive director Seth Anderson Oberman called the vote a "disappointment." He said, "This is an incredibly sad day for Philadelphia. As someone who was born and raised in this city and has deep love for my city, I just watched my City Council sell out this entire city. This is the kind of deal that sets us up for years and years of austerity budgets, cuts to schools, cuts to transportation, this is a horrible deal."

However, the arena deal includes a community benefits agreement worth $60 million and an economic opportunity plan to ensure a diverse workforce. Members of the No Arena Coalition argued for a much larger CBA at $300 million, stating that anything less "sells our city to the lowest bidder."