Matthew Richard , Chief Information Officer at Laborers ’ International Union of North America , reflects on the US Bipartisan Infrastructure deal and transition to the cloud
LiUNA
Matthew Richard , Chief Information Officer at Laborers ’ International Union of North America , reflects on the US Bipartisan Infrastructure deal and transition to the cloud
Most of us wouldn ’ t enjoy the idea of being accountable to 500,000 people , but Matthew Richard , Chief Information Officer at Laborers ’ International Union of North America ( LiUNA ), looks relaxed as he reflects on its cloud transition changes and prospects of driving digital benefits to its large membership base across the United States and Canada .
With US construction on the up and incoming President Biden ’ s Bipartisan Infrastructure deal in the offing , LiUNA finds itself in a sweet spot . The Union pushed hard to vote Biden in , and has a close ally in new Secretary of Labour , Marty Walsh , who happens to be a LiUNA member .
“ If the deal makes its way through Congress , that ’ s a lot of work for us , and puts money into the benefit plans of our members ,” said Richard . “ We could be talking multiple decades ’ worth of work .”
A strong believer in infrastructure – both parents worked in the natural gas industry – he has wanted to see construction investment prioritised for some time , and even though nothing is sure in politics , he senses the country is on the cusp of change .
“ It ’ s fair to be sceptical , but I think the Democrats have alternative options , and we ’ re confident something will get done .”
Another key reason for the optimism is the structural changes which have
72 December 2021