UPDATE: September 18, 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 18, 2026

CONTACT
Kristine Kavanagh                                                      Heather Niski
Communications Director                                        General Counsel
(773) 620-9037                                                           (414) 283-2600
[email protected]                                          [email protected]

IUOE LOCAL 150 AND PHOENIX CONSTRUCTION ANNOUNCE AGREEMENT TO SUPPORT LOCAL JOBS AND ADVANCE
PROJECT MAIZE

MICHIGAN CITY, IN (September 18, 2026) — The International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE), Local 150, AFL-CIO, and Phoenix Construction, LLC have reached an agreement for the Phoenix Construction project (“Project Maize”) in Michigan City. Under the Agreement, workers through IUOE Local 150-affiliated contractors will further enhance site workers to enhance the opportunity for local jobs and the delivery of value for Northwest Indiana communities.

As Phase II of Project Maize begins, the Agreement establishes a shared commitment to making sure major economic development projects supported by public resources create opportunities for qualified local workers, strengthen local contractors, and produce benefits for the community.

“IUOE Local 150 is proud to partner on Project Maize and demonstrate the superior skill, training, and professionalism of our operating engineers,” said James M. Sweeney, President-Business Manager of IUOE Local 150. “Our members are ready to contribute to the successful completion of this project and help deliver lasting value for the end user, the local workforce, and the region.”

“We are pleased to have a committed and ready source for qualified workers through Local 150,” said John Peret, Director of Construction, Data Center Division at Phoenix Construction. “Project Maize is an important investment in Michigan City, and we look forward to working with Local 150 and the many people involved in bringing this project to completion.”

Project Maize represents a major investment in Michigan City and Northwest Indiana, and both parties recognize the importance of ensuring that investment delivers meaningful returns for the people and communities that helped make it possible. With the Agreement in place, the project is positioned to support construction jobs, local business activity, and long-term economic opportunity.

“This Agreement is a positive step for Michigan City and for Northwest Indiana, and for the skilled local workers who deserve a fair opportunity to help build this project,” said David A. Fagan, Financial Secretary of IUOE Local 150. “When public support helps make a major investment possible, the benefits should be felt locally through good local jobs that help to make stronger communities. We appreciate Phoenix Construction’s commitment to helping Project Maize advance in a way that benefits workers and supports the long-term success of the community.”

“Phoenix Construction appreciates Local 150’s commitment as Project Maize enters its next phase,” Peret added. “The Agreement supports our shared goal of building the project safely and efficiently, while helping ensure that it creates meaningful benefits for Michigan City, local workers, and the broader Northwest Indiana economy.”

Local 150 and Phoenix Construction agree that responsible development extends beyond the completion of construction. It means delivering projects safely and efficiently, supporting skilled workers and local contractors, and working collaboratively to create lasting value for the communities and regions where projects are built.

This Agreement reflects a shared focus on the long-term success of Project Maize. Together, Local 150 and Phoenix Construction are working to move the project forward in a way that strengthens Michigan City and contributes to continued economic growth across Northwest Indiana.

###

ABOUT IUOE LOCAL 150

The International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 150 is a labor union representing over 24,000 working men and women in Indiana, Illinois, and Iowa. Local 150 members operate and maintain heavy equipment in a variety of industries, which include heavy highway and building construction, heavy equipment rental and repair shops, construction material production, concrete pumping, hoisting, steel mill service, slag processing, pits and quarries, landfills, testing and drilling, pipeline, landscaping, public works, and more. In addition to securing work for its union members, Local 150 fights on behalf of all working men and women to ensure fair wages and equal pay. Most recently, Local 150 championed the Worker’s Rights Amendment in 2022, ensuring constitutional protection for all Illinois workers to join a union.

 

ABOUT PHOENIX CONSTRUCTION

Phoenix Construction is a national construction and redevelopment firm focused on complex commercial and industrial projects. The company provides construction management, redevelopment, modernization, and adaptive reuse services across data centers, manufacturing, logistics and distribution, office campuses, public infrastructure, and other large-scale projects. By combining construction expertise, engineering insight, and real estate strategy, Phoenix Construction helps owners and stakeholders reposition and improve properties for long-term performance, efficiency, and value.

UPDATE: June 23, 2026

 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 23, 2026

Contact: Kristine Kavanagh
(773) 620-9037
[email protected]

IUOE LOCAL 150 FILES EMERGENCY INTERVENTION IN IURC PROCEEDING OVER GOOGLE’S PROJECT MAIZE DATA CENTER AS SAFETY, LABOR, AND PUBLIC UTILITY CONCERNS MOUNT

Union urges regulators to halt further approvals until troubling allegations involving worker safety, local workforce exclusion, and project oversight are fully investigated

COUNTRYSIDE, IL (June 23, 2026) – The International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) Local 150, AFL-CIO, representing over 24,000 workers in Indiana, Illinois, and Iowa who operate and maintain heavy equipment across various industries, has filed to intervene before the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission regarding NIPSCO’s request related to power service for Google’s Project Maize data center in Michigan City, Indiana. The Union is warning that regulators should not allow the project to move forward without first addressing serious and unresolved labor, safety, and accountability concerns.

Project Maize has been promoted as a major investment in Michigan City, but the reality on the ground tells a troubling story. The project has repeatedly failed to deliver meaningful opportunities for local workers of every craft and has instead relied heavily on out-of-state and foreign workers and has led to serious safety issues. Local 150 remains on an unfair labor practice strike against Phoenix Construction at the site and is demanding enforceable commitments that protect local workers, uphold basic safety standards, and bring immediate transparency to the project.

“This cannot be treated as just another utility proceeding,” said David A. Fagan, Financial Secretary for Local 150. “When a project tied to one of the largest corporations in the world is accused of shutting out local workers, relying on out-of-state, foreign, or undocumented labor, and failing to answer serious safety questions, regulators have an obligation to stop and demand answers. That is exactly why Local 150 intervened before the IURC. Before any additional public utility approvals move forward, Google and Phoenix Construction, and all project partners must answer for what is happening on this jobsite.”

The need for immediate scrutiny has been heightened by a sworn statement from a former security guard who worked at Project Maize. According to the statement, the vast majority of workers on site were not from the United States, almost no one working on site spoke English, and first a roofing contractor operated a second shift staffed by undocumented workers, and now an electrical contractor is following the same model. The statement also describes written protocols given to security personnel in the event that Immigration and Customs Enforcement appeared on site.

The same sworn statement raises disturbing allegations about a worker fall at the project and an apparent effort to avoid normal emergency response. The former guard stated that, after reviewing video, he observed a roofing supervisor leaving the site in a pickup truck with multiple individuals in the cab and what appeared to be an individual in the truck bed who was completely wrapped. The statement further describes a hole in the roof, a strong odor of bleach, and towels with blood in a nearby garbage can. According to the statement, security was not notified immediately, and emergency services were not called by the workers involved; security contacted Michigan City Police only after learning of the incident approximately 45 minutes later. OSHA later issued a citation related to the incident for failing to properly evaluate working surfaces, but Local 150 believes OSHA’s limited findings leave significant questions unanswered about what happened, how the incident was handled, and whether workers on site were adequately protected. Local 150 believes these allegations, combined with the unresolved questions surrounding OSHA’s findings, demand immediate investigation before any public utility approval connected to the project is allowed to proceed.

Additional developments have made the need for action even more urgent. During proceedings in LaPorte Superior Court last week involving Alfonso Alvarado, who was arrested for DUI and identified himself as an electrician working at Michigan City Project Maize, the court was informed that Alvarado was subject to an ICE hold. Local 150 believes this development underscores the need for a full, immediate, and transparent review of labor practices at the project.

Local 150 has also filed suit against Michigan City in federal court, alleging violations of the union’s First Amendment rights after city officials continued allowing Phoenix Construction to place temporary fencing in a manner that blocks use of the public right of way. Local 150 will continue engaging in all lawful activity to protect its rights under federal law and to advocate for local workers.

“Project Maize has been problematic from the beginning, and regulators should not look the other way,” stated Kristine Kavanagh, Communications Director for Local 150. “This is not about opposing data centers. Local 150 operating engineers are helping build major data center projects across Indiana and Illinois where developers and end users have respected local labor and worked constructively with the skilled trades. The problem in Michigan City is not the industry — it is the way this project has been handled, and it demands immediate accountability.”

Local 150 pointed to data center projects in Granger, New Carlisle, LaPorte, Hobart, and the recently approved project in Jasper County as examples of projects that have created strong opportunities for operating engineers. The union also noted positive working relationships with end users such as Microsoft and Amazon Web Services, and said those examples demonstrate that data center development can benefit local workers and communities and improve safety when strong labor standards and local participation are made a priority.

Local 150 is demanding that regulators and project stakeholders take immediate action to:

• Halt any further utility approvals tied to Project Maize until the labor, safety, and oversight concerns are fully investigated.
• Require Google, Phoenix Construction, and all project partners to publicly answer questions about workforce practices, contractor oversight, and jobsite safety.
• Secure enforceable commitments guaranteeing meaningful participation for local operating engineers and other local skilled trades workers.
• Ensure all workers on the project are protected by lawful labor practices, basic safety standards, and transparent reporting requirements.
• Review the unresolved questions surrounding the alleged fall incident, emergency response, and OSHA’s limited findings.

Until those demands are met, Local 150 is calling on Google, Phoenix Construction, Michigan City officials, and state regulators to stop treating Project Maize as business as usual and hold the project to the same standards expected of any major development receiving public attention, utility support, and community backing: safe jobsites, lawful labor practices, transparency, and real opportunity for local workers.

Background on Project Maize and Labor Exclusion

Project Maize is an $832 million data center development supported by over $42 million in state tax incentives and another $29.5 million in local tax incentives. Despite these subsidies, the majority of contracts have been awarded to out-of-state contractors, bypassing Indiana firms and workers. Local 150 members have been exercising their federally protected rights to protest unfair labor practices by Phoenix Construction.

On Friday, November 14, 2025, Phoenix Construction erected barricade fencing across a public right-of-way to block Local 150’s lawful picket line. The company escalated overnight by placing additional fencing directly across the right-of-way where members had been picketing for weeks. Michigan City police were dispatched and warned that moving the barricade off public property would result in arrest; five squad cars responded.

In late October 2025, Phoenix claimed that it owns Royal Road where Project Maize is located and called Michigan City police three times about Local 150 allegedly picketing on private property.  On the first visit, police informed Local 150 that the picketers were appropriately positioned on public property. On the second visit two days later, the police changed their position and advised that Local 150 was in fact on private property. On the third visit, police arrested two Local 150 picketers and impounded Scabby and the rat van on charges of criminal trespass. Two days later, the LaPorte County prosecutor dismissed the charges in court, citing insufficient information regarding the ownership of Royal Road.

Local 150 continues to demand that Michigan City enforce their own incentive requirements and ensure Indiana workers and public resources are protected. Indiana taxpayers deserve transparency, fairness, and accountability. For ongoing updates, visit local150.org.

# # #

ABOUT THE IUOE LOCAL 150: The International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 150 is a labor union representing over 24,000 working men and women in Indiana, Illinois, and Iowa. Local 150 members operate and maintain heavy equipment in a variety of industries, which include heavy highway and building construction, heavy equipment rental and repair shops, construction material production, concrete pumping, hoisting, steel mill service, slag processing, pits and quarries, landfills, testing and drilling, pipeline, landscaping, public works, and more. In addition to securing work for its Union

UPDATE: May 7, 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 7, 2026

Contact: Kristine Kavanagh
(773) 620-9037
[email protected]

IUOE LOCAL 150: GOOGLE-BACKED DATA CENTER BUILD IN SULLIVAN COUNTY, INDIANA CUTS OUT LOCAL WORKERS

Project promoted as ‘community investment’ as local contractors and workers are bypassed; unions see repetitive pattern of using out-of-state contractors and workers with no economic benefit to local communities

COUNTRYSIDE, IL (May 7, 2026) – The Wabash Valley Building Trades Council in Indiana, The International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) Local 841, supported by IUOE Local 150, AFL-CIO, are demanding immediate action to guarantee local workers and contractors benefit from the massive data center development planned at Heartland Industrial Park in Sullivan County, Indiana.

The project—publicly linked to Potentia Inc. as site developer and reported as a Google-backed data center campus—is expected to become a multi-year development valued at approximately $65 billion on more than 1,000 acres near the former Merom Generating Station.

Local labor leaders say the project has been promoted as a major investment in the region, yet early construction work has already gone to out-of-area and out-of-state contractors while local skilled trades workers are being sidelined.

The project falls within the jurisdiction of IUOE Local 841 and the other member trades within the Wabash Valley Building Trades Council. Local unions are calling for Potentia to stand by its word and ensure a binding Project Labor Agreement (PLA) and enforceable local hiring requirements before major construction expands further.

“No one is against growth or investment,” said Joe Bolk, President of The Wabash Valley Building Trades Council and Business Manager and Secretary-Treasurer for Laborers’ Local 204. “But if this project is going to use our roads, infrastructure, utilities, and public resources, then local workers and local contractors deserve guaranteed opportunities on the job. A project this large should be building careers and economic growth here in Sullivan County—not shipping work out of state.”

Developer materials have promoted Heartland Industrial Park as creating “high-quality jobs” and “lasting community investment.” However, labor leaders say no binding local hiring plan, workforce agreement, or Project Labor Agreement has been publicly finalized.

In fact, in late March, Wabash Valley Building Trades Council representatives met with Potentia to discuss a PLA that would establish wages, benefits, safety standards, and local participation requirements before major site work began.

At the same time Potentia sought a road-use agreement from the Sullivan County Commission for heavy-truck traffic. County officials reportedly asked labor whether a PLA was being pursued by Potentia. The Commission approved the agreement on March 30 after receiving assurances that PLA discussions were underway. Shortly thereafter, The Wabash Valley Building Trades Council says representatives from Arco Construction—identified as Potentia’s designated general contractor—stated they were unaware of the PLA discussions Potentia had and indicated the project would move forward without a PLA.

Union representatives report that out-of-state contractors and labor crews mobilized quickly, including companies from Georgia and Louisiana, while local contractors were excluded from major grading and dirt work. Labor leaders also allege some heavy equipment traffic ignored Sullivan County approved haul routes, contributing to additional county road damage.

“Our members trained for this project and expected the jobs promised to this community,” said Brian Gilham, Business Manager of IUOE Local 841. “Instead, local skilled operators and apprentices are watching work leave the county while outside contractors move in. That hurts workers, local businesses, and the entire local economy.”

IUOE Local 150 is raising concerns emerging in Sullivan County as they follow a growing pattern seen at other Google-linked data center developments in Indiana, particularly the controversial “Project Maize” development in Michigan City.

At Project Maize, local unions and contractors have raised repeated concerns since the project started last summer. This Google-end user project, after receiving significant state and local tax incentives made promises of jobs and economic investment that did not translate into meaningful opportunities for local contractors, workers, or investment in the local community. IUOE Local 150 documented allegations that out-of-state contractors and labor crews captured major portions of the work, while local contractors were largely sidelined, major safety issues were documented, including a worker who fell from the roof of the project, and more.

Building trades leaders say the same warning signs are now appearing in Sullivan County: outside contractors moving in early, local firms excluded from major work, and no binding commitments guaranteeing local hiring or area labor standards.

“We’ve seen this playbook before,” said David Willis, Vice President of The Wabash Building Trades Council and Assistant Business Manager of the Boilermakers Local 374. “Big promises get made to local communities, but once approvals are secured, the work starts moving out of state and local workers get pushed aside. Sullivan County deserves enforceable guarantees—not press releases and talking points.”

The Wabash Valley Building Trades Council is pushing for action now because communities lose leverage once major contracts are awarded.

Building trades representatives who attended the meeting report an Arco Construction representative said there would be enough “scraps” for everyone. Put plainly: local Indiana contractors and workers were expected to fight over leftovers after the big work was handed out. The representatives also report contract terms discussed included liquidated damages ranging from $175,000 up to $1 million per day, and that Arco asked the Trades Council to support extending the county’s road-use hours beyond 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

“What happened at Project Maize should be a warning to Sullivan County,” David A. Fagan, Financial Secretary of IUOE Local 150 said. “If there’s no Project Labor Agreement and no written local hiring requirements, local workers and contractors will continue getting shut out while outside companies profit off this community.”

Public reports describe Heartland Industrial Park as one of Indiana’s largest private infrastructure developments, potentially supporting 2,750 to 3,000 construction jobs at peak and more than 500 permanent positions.

The project’s reported end user is Google, raising broader questions about accountability for labor standards and local participation in large-scale data center developments.

“This is a bait-and-switch on local government, local businesses, local workers, and local communities,” said David A. Fagan, Financial Secretary of IUOE Local 150. “Communities are promised jobs and investment, but then outside contractors move in while local workers are shut out. If Google and its development partners are benefiting from this project, they need to publicly commit to a Project Labor Agreement, local hiring, and real accountability.”

The Wabash Valley Building Trades and IUOE Local 150 are demanding:

• A signed Project Labor Agreement (PLA) covering major site and vertical construction work;
• A written local hiring and local contracting plan prioritizing Sullivan County and regional contractors;
• Full disclosure of who controls subcontracting and workforce decisions;
• Compliance with approved haul routes and repair of road damage caused by construction traffic;
• Ongoing public reporting on water usage, environmental impacts, and infrastructure demands associated with the project.

Background on Heartland Industrial Park

Heartland Industrial Park is planned as a large-scale industrial campus in Sullivan County, Indiana, near U.S. Route 41 and the former Merom Generating Station. Public reports and developer materials describe the site as supporting advanced technology and data center infrastructure tied to AI and cloud computing demand.

Publicly stated projections include thousands of construction jobs and more than 500 permanent positions. Potentia has also publicly referenced infrastructure investments, charitable contributions, a proposed fire station land donation, and a closed-loop water system intended to reduce freshwater withdrawals.

Background on Project Maize and Labor Exclusion

Project Maize is an $832 million data center development supported by over $42 million in state tax incentives and another $29.5 million in local tax incentives. Despite these subsidies, the majority of contracts have been awarded to out-of-state contractors, bypassing Indiana firms and workers. Local 150 members have been exercising their federally protected rights to protest unfair labor practices by Phoenix Construction.

On Friday, November 14, 2025, Phoenix Construction erected barricade fencing across a public right-of-way to block Local 150’s lawful picket line. The company escalated overnight by placing additional fencing directly across the right-of-way where members had been picketing for weeks. Michigan City police were dispatched and warned that moving the barricade off public property would result in arrest; five squad cars responded.

In late October 2025, Phoenix claimed that it owns Royal Road where Project Maize is located and called Michigan City police three times about Local 150 allegedly picketing on private property.  On the first visit, police informed Local 150 that the picketers were appropriately positioned on public property. On the second visit two days later, the police changed their position and advised that Local 150 was in fact on private property. On the third visit, police arrested two Local 150 picketers and impounded Scabby and the rat van on charges of criminal trespass. Two days later, the LaPorte County prosecutor dismissed the charges in court, citing insufficient information regarding the ownership of Royal Road.

Local 150 continues to demand that Michigan City enforce their own incentive requirements and ensure Indiana workers and public resources are protected.

Indiana taxpayers deserve transparency, fairness, and accountability.

For ongoing updates, visit local150.org.

# # #

ABOUT THE IUOE LOCAL 150: The International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 150 is a labor union representing over 24,000 working men and women in Indiana, Illinois, and Iowa. Local 150 members operate and maintain heavy equipment in a variety of industries, which include heavy highway and building construction, heavy equipment rental and repair shops, construction material production, concrete pumping, hoisting, steel mill service, slag processing, pits and quarries, landfills, testing and drilling, pipeline, landscaping, public works, and more. In addition to securing work for its Union members, Local 150 fights on behalf of all working men and women to ensure fair wages and equal pay.

 

UPDATE: April 7, 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 7, 2026

Contact: Kristine Kavanagh
(773) 620-9037
[email protected]

LOCAL 150 DEMANDS BLUE CHIP CASINO CEASE INTERFERENCE WITH PROTECTED SPEECH AS UNLAWFUL BARRICADES REMAIN AT PROJECT MAIZE SITE

Union: Blue Chip Must Respect Free Speech and Stop Supporting Out-of-State Project Maize Contractors

COUNTRYSIDE, IL (April 7, 2026) – The International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) Local 150, AFL-CIO, representing over 24,000 workers in Indiana, Illinois, and Iowa who operate and maintain heavy equipment across various industries, is calling on Blue Chip Casino to immediately cease actions that interfere with constitutionally protected speech and to end its role in enabling out-of-state contractors tied to Project Maize, as unlawful obstructions of a public right-of-way remain in place at the Michigan City data center site.

Local 150 reports that today Blue Chip Casino confiscated its Union banner display as part of lawful protest activity addressing the casino’s support of Project Maize and its use of out-of-state labor on a taxpayer-supported project. Although the banner was later returned, casino representatives warned that law enforcement would be called if the banner was displayed again.

The union states that such threats raise serious constitutional concerns, including viewpoint-based suppression of speech and unlawful interference with protected expressive activity. Local 150 displayed the banner again once returned. Blue Chip Casino called Michigan City Police. The Officer dispatched reviewed property lines and agreed that the Union is lawfully bannering on public property.

“A private entity threatening police action over a banner is a direct affront to the First Amendment,” said David A. Fagan, Financial Secretary for IUOE Local 150. “There is no legal basis for suppressing peaceful, protected speech in a public-facing space.”

Local 150 also criticized Blue Chip Casino for renting garage space to Project Maize utilizing out-of-state contractors and workers, arguing that the casino is materially supporting the displacement of local labor while attempting to silence those speaking out against it.

“Blue Chip is not a neutral actor here,” Kristine Kavanagh, Communications Director for IUOE Local 150 said. “It is facilitating the presence of out-of-state contractors while simultaneously attempting to silence the speech of local workers and residents. That contradiction raises serious legal and ethical concerns.”

Meanwhile, the Union emphasized that the underlying access issue at the Project Maize site remains unresolved. Barricades originally erected by Phoenix Construction across a public right-of-way—which Local 150 asserts is unlawful—remain in place today, continuing to obstruct access and interfere with lawful picketing.

“The law is clear: public right-of-way cannot be privatized or obstructed to silence protest,” Ms. Kavanagh said. “As of today, those barricades remain, and with them, an ongoing violation of workers’ rights.”

Local 150 pointed to well-established constitutional protections for speech and assembly in traditional public forums, including public roadways, and stated it is actively reviewing all legal remedies related to both the barricades and recent actions taken by private entities.

“This is not a gray area,” Mr. Fagan added. “No corporation-contractor or casino-has the authority to restrict access to public space or threaten lawful demonstrators with police intervention for exercising fundamental rights.”

Local 150 is calling on Blue Chip Casino to:

• Immediately cease any threats or actions that interfere with protected speech and peaceful protest.
• Stop renting garage space used by out-of-state contractors and workers tied to Project Maize.
• Publicly commit to supporting local contractors, workers, businesses, and the community.
• Ensure its policies and practices comply with constitutional protections and do not contribute to unlawful suppression of community advocacy.

Community members are encouraged to contact Blue Chip Casino management at (219) 879-7711 to demand accountability, respect for free speech, and support for local workers.

Constitutional rights are not negotiable. Local 150 will continue to defend them, its members, and the working men and women of Indiana.

Background on Project Maize and Labor Exclusion

Project Maize is an $832 million data center development supported by over $42 million in state tax incentives and another $29.5 million in local tax incentives. Despite these subsidies, the majority of contracts have been awarded to out-of-state contractors, bypassing Indiana firms and workers. Local 150 members have been exercising their federally protected rights to protest unfair labor practices by Phoenix Construction.

On Friday, November 14, 2025, Phoenix Construction erected barricade fencing across a public right-of-way to block Local 150’s lawful picket line. The company escalated overnight by placing additional fencing directly across the right-of-way where members had been picketing for weeks. Michigan City police were dispatched and warned that moving the barricade off public property would result in arrest; five squad cars responded.

In late October 2025, Phoenix claimed that it owns Royal Road where Project Maize is located and called Michigan City police three times about Local 150 allegedly picketing on private property.  On the first visit, police informed Local 150 that the picketers were appropriately positioned on public property. On the second visit two days later, the police changed their position and advised that Local 150 was in fact on private property. On the third visit, police arrested two Local 150 picketers and impounded Scabby and the rat van on charges of criminal trespass. Two days later, the LaPorte County prosecutor dismissed the charges in court, citing insufficient information regarding the ownership of Royal Road.

Local 150 continues to demand that Michigan City enforce their own incentive requirements and ensure Indiana workers and public resources are protected.

Indiana taxpayers deserve transparency, fairness, and accountability.

For ongoing updates, visit local150.org.

# # #

ABOUT THE IUOE LOCAL 150: The International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 150 is a labor union representing over 24,000 working men and women in Indiana, Illinois, and Iowa. Local 150 members operate and maintain heavy equipment in a variety of industries, which include heavy highway and building construction, heavy equipment rental and repair shops, construction material production, concrete pumping, hoisting, steel mill service, slag processing, pits and quarries, landfills, testing and drilling, pipeline, landscaping, public works, and more. In addition to securing work for its Union members, Local 150 fights on behalf of all working men and women to ensure fair wages and equal pay.

 

UPDATE: January 23, 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 23, 2026

Contact: Kristine Kavanagh
(773) 620-9037
[email protected]

INDIANA OSHA RESPONSE TO PROJECT MAIZE FALL RAISES SERIOUS QUESTIONS ABOUT AGENCY OVERSIGHT AND RESOURCES

COUNTRYSIDE, IL (January 23, 2026) – The International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) Local 150, AFL-CIO, representing over 24,000 workers in Indiana, Illinois, and Iowa who operate and maintain heavy equipment across various industries, is raising serious concerns following a written response from the Indiana Occupational Safety and Health Administration (IOSHA) regarding a workplace fall captured on Michigan City Police body camera footage at the Phoenix Investors data center project known as Project Maize.

In a January 22, 2026 letter from the Indiana Department of Labor, IOSHA concluded that it found “no evidence” that a worker struck his head during a fall of nearly 70 feet from the roof of the data center to the concrete floor on October 9, 2025, despite police body camera and surveillance footage that appears to show, based on commentary from both the security team and police officers on site, the worker’s head making contact with the ground.

The IOSHA response further states that no evidence was found indicating medical protocols were mishandled, even though body camera footage shows commentary that the injured worker had been quickly removed from the job site by coworkers. However, this was done without emergency medical responders present, and without notice to site security or law enforcement.

“It is difficult to reconcile IOSHA’s conclusions with what is plainly visible in the police body camera footage,” said Kristine Kavanagh, Communications Director for IUOE Local 150. “A worker falls nearly 70 feet, appears and sounds as if he takes a strike to his head on a concrete floor, and was removed from the site before emergency responders arrived. If that does not raise red flags for a workplace safety agency, it begs a broader question: does IOSHA have the resources, authority, or investigative tools necessary to fully evaluate serious worksite accidents of this magnitude?”

IOSHA acknowledged in its response that the employer failed to properly evaluate walking and working surfaces prior to allowing employees to perform work, issuing a citation on that basis. However, the agency dismissed concerns related to emergency response, supervision, and documentation of the incident, despite police body cam audio indicating that no responsible supervisors were present and that rooftop cameras were disabled at the time of the fall.

Local 150 acknowledges that IOSHA cited jurisdictional limits in declining to address several aspects of the complaint, but stresses that workplace safety cannot be evaluated in isolation. The union argues that when a worker is injured, removed from a job site without documented medical evaluation, supervisors are absent, and incident records are incomplete, those conditions directly affect whether injuries are properly reported, treated, and investigated. According to Local 150, these factors should be central to any meaningful review of a serious workplace accident, particularly on large, publicly subsidized construction projects.

The incident occurred at Project Maize, an $832 million data center development supported by more than $70 million in combined state and local tax incentives. The project is being constructed primarily by out-of-state contractors, including Phoenix Construction of Wisconsin, general contractor Blydan of Alabama, and roofing subcontractor Genius Roofing, also based in Alabama.

The original complaint to IOSHA also raised concerns about the overwhelming use of out-of-state labor on a taxpayer-subsidized project, the potential chilling effect on injury reporting where workers fear retaliation, and ongoing obstruction of a confirmed public right-of-way adjacent to the site. IOSHA stated it lacked jurisdiction over those issues.

IUOE Local 150 continues to call on state and federal authorities, state officials, as well as Michigan City officials, to ensure that taxpayer-funded projects meet the highest standards of safety, accountability, and transparency.

Viewer discretion advised: This video includes swearing and footage related to a workplace accident involving a fall from a roof. To view the video of Michigan City Police body camera footage, click here.

Background on Project Maize and Labor Exclusion

Project Maize is an $832 million data center development supported by over $42 million in state tax incentives and another $29.5 million in local tax incentives. Despite these subsidies, the majority of contracts have been awarded to out-of-state contractors, bypassing Indiana firms and workers. Local 150 members have been exercising their federally protected rights to protest unfair labor practices by Phoenix Construction.

In late October 2025, Phoenix claimed that it owns Royal Road where Project Maize is located, and called Michigan City police three times about Local 150 allegedly picketing on private property.  On the first visit, police informed Local 150 that the picketers were appropriately positioned on public property. On the second visit two days later, the police changed their position and advised that Local 150 was in fact on private property. On the third visit, police arrested two Local 150 picketers and impounded Scabby and the rat van on charges of criminal trespass. Two days later, the LaPorte County prosecutor dismissed the charges in court, citing insufficient information regarding the ownership of Royal Road.

Local 150 continues to demand that Michigan City enforce their own incentive requirements and ensure Indiana workers and public resources are protected.

Indiana taxpayers deserve transparency, fairness, and accountability. For ongoing updates, visit local150.org.

# # #

ABOUT THE IUOE LOCAL 150: The International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 150 is a labor union representing over 24,000 working men and women in Indiana, Illinois, and Iowa. Local 150 members operate and maintain heavy equipment in a variety of industries, which include heavy highway and building construction, heavy equipment rental and repair shops, construction material production, concrete pumping, hoisting, steel mill service, slag processing, pits and quarries, landfills, testing and drilling, pipeline, landscaping, public works, and more. In addition to securing work for its union members, Local 150 fights on behalf of all working men and women to ensure fair wages and equal pay.

UPDATE: January 12, 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 12, 2026

Contact: Kristine Kavanagh
(773) 620-9037
[email protected]

POLICE BODY CAMERA FOOTAGE RAISES SERIOUS SAFETY, OVERSIGHT, AND PUBLIC ACCESS QUESTIONS AT PROJECT MAIZE

COUNTRYSIDE, IL (January 12, 2026) – The International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) Local 150, AFL-CIO, representing over 24,000 workers in Indiana, Illinois, and Iowa who operate and maintain heavy equipment across various industries, is calling for an immediate investigation following the release of Michigan City Police body camera footage documenting a workplace incident at the Phoenix Investors data center project, where Google is the end-user, known as Project Maize on October 9, 2025.

The body cam footage raises serious questions about worker safety, emergency response procedures, and contractor oversight after a worker, reportedly working for Genius Roofing, a company based in Alabama, fell from the data center roof to the concrete floor and struck his head while working on the project. Police body camera and dash camera footage that captured surveillance video inside the building shows the worker falling approximately 70 feet with his head striking the floor, and then the worker being quickly removed from the jobsite by other employees, prompting concerns that appropriate medical protocols were not followed.

Notably, police body cam audio of the officer speaking with the security guard reveals that no responsible supervisors were present on site at the time of the incident, and the rooftop cameras were disabled, thwarting further investigation into the circumstances of the fall incident.  The security guard also made admissions about the poor condition of the roof, suggesting that there were woefully insufficient safety measures in place to protect the workers.  The security guard further related that it was unlikely that a complete list of individuals working for Genius Roofing on that night shift exists. 

The footage shows site security repeatedly stating the injured worker was removed by co-workers without notice to security, and that the remaining employees scattered and left the site once law enforcement was called. This incident leaves serious questions surrounding the incident and whether Phoenix Construction has been working to manage the safety of the site and ensure transparency.  The fear of retaliation or immigration consequences can discourage workers from insisting on responsible safety measures, and discourage injured workers from seeking medical attention, and reporting unsafe conditions, undermining jobsite safety and regulatory compliance.

“A worker falls 70 feet from a roof, hits his head, is quickly removed from the jobsite by coworkers, and supervisors are nowhere to be found,” said Kristine Kavanagh, Communications Director for IUOE Local 150. “That alone warrants immediate scrutiny. The circumstances captured on police footage raise questions that demand clear answers.”

Project Maize is being built almost entirely by out-of-state contractors, including Phoenix Construction, headquartered in Wisconsin; Blydan, the general contractor, based in Alabama; and Genius Roofing, the roofing subcontractor, also based in Alabama.

Research conducted in November of 2025 by Local 150 underscores this trend: roughly 100 vehicles were observed across two Project Maize parking lots, with a significant majority bearing out-of-state license plates. Among them were 13 from Georgia, 9 from Alabama, 8 from Florida, 8 from Texas, 4 from Illinois, 3 from Kentucky, 2 each from Tennessee, Virginia, California, Ohio, and Oklahoma, and single vehicles from New York, North Carolina, South Carolina, Pennsylvania, Iowa, Kansas, and Arkansas.

Local 150 has repeatedly warned that Project Maize relies overwhelmingly on out-of-state labor, despite receiving tens of millions of dollars in Indiana taxpayer incentives.

Based on longstanding observations at the site, Local 150 believes a significant portion of the workforce may be undocumented, raising additional concerns that injured workers may be reluctant to seek medical care or report unsafe conditions. The bodycam footage shows the Police Officers were told that up to ninety percent of the workforce is undocumented workers. The union does not assert the legal status of any individual worker as fact, but stresses that fear and exploitation undermine jobsite safety for everyone.

In addition to safety concerns, Local 150 is raising alarms about the continued obstruction of a public right-of-way in front of the Project Maize site. Counsel hired by Michigan City officials have confirmed that Phoenix Construction does not own the right-of-way in front of the project. Despite this confirmation, and despite repeated requests from IUOE Local 150, the local labor council, and multiple affiliated unions, a temporary fence and a large construction vehicleremain in place that restricts access to the public area and interferes with lawful, peaceful protest.

To date, the Mayor of Michigan City has taken no action to require removal of the fence or enforce the city’s own determination regarding the public right-of-way, despite stating at a Labor Council Meeting in December that she would act.

“When City officials confirm a roadway is public, the issue should be settled,” Kavanagh said. “Allowing a private contractor to continue blocking a public space—after repeated pleas from workers and labor leaders, wrongful arrests of union members, illegal impounding of inflatable rats and banner trucks, as well as numerous intimidation tactics—raises serious concerns about enforcement and equal treatment under the law.”

IUOE Local 150 has also documented vehicle license plates entering and exiting the site, showing the vast majority are registered outside Indiana. This documentation further supports concerns that local workers are being excluded from a publicly subsidized project in their own community.

Local 150 is calling on Michigan City officials and appropriate state and federal agencies to investigate and address the circumstances surrounding the October 9 Project Maize roofing incident, whether proper emergency and reporting procedures were followed, the absence of on-site supervision, contractor compliance with safety and labor requirements, and the continued obstruction of a confirmed public right-of-way.

“Taxpayer-funded projects must meet the highest standards of safety, transparency, and accountability,” Kavanagh added. “Indiana workers—and all workers on this site—deserve nothing less.”

Viewer discretion advised: This video includes swearing and footage related to a workplace accident involving a fall from a roof. To view the video of Michigan City Police body camera footage, click here.

Background on Project Maize and Labor Exclusion

Project Maize is an $832 million data center development supported by over $42 million in state tax incentives and another $29.5 million in local tax incentives. Despite these subsidies, the majority of contracts have been awarded to out-of-state contractors, bypassing Indiana firms and workers. Local 150 members have been exercising their federally protected rights to protest unfair labor practices by Phoenix Construction.

In late October 2025, Phoenix claimed that it owns Royal Road where Project Maize is located, and called Michigan City police three times about Local 150 allegedly picketing on private property.  On the first visit, police informed Local 150 that the picketers were appropriately positioned on public property. On the second visit two days later, the police changed their position and advised that Local 150 was in fact on private property. On the third visit, police arrested two Local 150 picketers and impounded Scabby and the rat van on charges of criminal trespass. Two days later, the LaPorte County prosecutor dismissed the charges in court, citing insufficient information regarding the ownership of Royal Road.

Local 150 continues to demand that Michigan City enforce their own incentive requirements and ensure Indiana workers and public resources are protected.

Indiana taxpayers deserve transparency, fairness, and accountability. For ongoing updates, visit local150.org.

# # #

ABOUT THE IUOE LOCAL 150: The International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 150 is a labor union representing over 24,000 working men and women in Indiana, Illinois, and Iowa. Local 150 members operate and maintain heavy equipment in a variety of industries, which include heavy highway and building construction, heavy equipment rental and repair shops, construction material production, concrete pumping, hoisting, steel mill service, slag processing, pits and quarries, landfills, testing and drilling, pipeline, landscaping, public works, and more. In addition to securing work for its union members, Local 150 fights on behalf of all working men and women to ensure fair wages and equal pay.

 

UPDATE: November 17, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 17, 2025

Contact: Kristine Kavanagh
(773) 620-9037
[email protected]

LOCAL 150 CONDEMNS PHOENIX CONSTRUCTION’S BARRICADING OF PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY FOLLOWING CALLS FOR BIPARTISAN SUPPORT FOR STRIKING WORKERS

Union Warns: No Company Has Authority to Strip Hoosiers of Their Federally Protected Free Speech and Assembly Rights

COUNTRYSIDE, IL (November 17, 2025) – The International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) Local 150, AFL-CIO, representing over 24,000 workers in Indiana, Illinois, and Iowa who operate and maintain heavy equipment across various industries, is sounding the alarm after Phoenix Construction erected barricade fencing across a public right-of-way on Friday, November 14, 2025, in a clear attempt to block Local 150 members from exercising their federally protected right to picket.

The obstruction occurred one day after Republican county officials and candidates from LaPorte and Porter Counties visited the Local 150 strike line to show support for Indiana workers, local businesses, and community accountability. Their visit highlighted calls to raise bipartisan concern over the misuse of taxpayer dollars on Project Maize and the exclusion of Indiana workers from taxpayer-supported projects.

On Friday, Phoenix Construction escalated its response. Overnight, the company placed construction fencing directly across the public right-of-way where Local 150 members had lawfully been picketing for weeks—effectively attempting to choke off access to a public space and silence lawful protest.

Additionally, Michigan City police were dispatched to the property and explicitly stated that any attempt by Local 150 to move the barricade fence off public property would result in arrest. Five squad cars responded to the scene, representing a disproportionate and inefficient use of local resources, a rapid deployment to a non-emergency situation, and an apparent exercise of intimidation directed at Local 150 members for the benefit of an out-of-state contractor.

This morning, Phoenix Construction moved the barricade back, effectively acknowledging the public right-of-way in front of the project and reinforcing Local 150’s position regarding workers’ protected rights. However, immediately after shifting the barricade, Phoenix Construction parked a piece of heavy equipment precisely where Local 150 members have peacefully picketed for weeks. The equipment—a water truck owned by an out-of-state contractor from Montgonery, Alabama (SDAC) with a sign leaned up against it that reads “No Trespassing”—further underscores Local 150’s concern that Phoenix Construction is relying on out-of-state firms to suppress the voices of workers, local businesses, and communities in Indiana.

“Phoenix Construction does not get to decide which constitutional rights Hoosiers do or do not have,” said Kristine Kavanagh, Communications Director for IUOE Local 150. “This fencing and heavy equipment are unlawful attempts to shut down protected speech on a public roadway. No private company has the authority to barricade or block the public out of their own community.”

Local 150 members, supported by community allies and elected officials, refused to be intimidated by the barricades and equipment. The lawful protest will continue outside the fencing perimeter. The union is reviewing all legal avenues to ensure the public right-of-way is restored and that workers’ rights are protected.

In an escalating pattern of anti-worker conduct, Friday’s barricade incident comes on the heels of multiple attempts by Phoenix Construction to disrupt peaceful picketing:

• The company deployed a street sweeper earlier in the week, intentionally directing dirt, rocks, and dust toward Local 150 members and visiting county officials.
• Phoenix has repeatedly called police regarding demonstrators on Royal Road, resulting in two wrongful arrests that the LaPorte County Prosecutor quickly dismissed due to unclear roadway ownership.

“These are not isolated actions—they are part of a broader pattern of Phoenix Construction using intimidation to suppress lawful protest,” Kavanagh added. “Hoosiers deserve better than out-of-state contractors behaving like they’re above Indiana law.”

Local 150 reiterated its bipartisan approach to protecting Indiana workers and thanked the Republican officials who stood with the union last week: Allen Stevens, Joe Haney, Steve Holifield, Barb Regnitz, Ronald “Red” Stone, Anthony Ferraro, Nathan Uldricks, and Kyle Renolds.

This strike is not political, but is about protecting taxpayer dollars, supporting local businesses, and ensuring public projects benefit the people who live and work here. Local 150 was proud to welcome Republican officials last week, and we invite our Democratic friends to join us as well. Indiana workers deserve support from every leader, regardless of party.

Background on Project Maize and Labor Exclusion

Project Maize is an $832 million data center development supported by over $42 million in state tax incentives and another $29.5 million in local tax incentives. Despite these subsidies, the majority of contracts have been awarded to out-of-state contractors, bypassing Indiana firms and workers. Local 150 members have been exercising their federally protected rights to protest unfair labor practices by Phoenix Construction.

In late October 2025, Phoenix claimed that it owns Royal Road where Project Maize is located, and called Michigan City police three times about Local 150 allegedly picketing on private property.  On the first visit, police informed Local 150 that the picketers were appropriately positioned on public property. On the second visit two days later, the police changed their position and advised that Local 150 was in fact on private property. On the third visit, police arrested two Local 150 picketers and impounded Scabby and the rat van on charges of criminal trespass. Two days later, the LaPorte County prosecutor dismissed the charges in court, citing insufficient information regarding the ownership of Royal Road.

Local 150 continues to demand that Michigan City enforce their own incentive requirements and ensure Indiana workers and public resources are protected.

Indiana taxpayers deserve transparency, fairness, and accountability.

For ongoing updates, visit local150.org.

# # #

ABOUT THE IUOE LOCAL 150: The International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 150 is a labor union representing over 24,000 working men and women in Indiana, Illinois, and Iowa. Local 150 members operate and maintain heavy equipment in a variety of industries, which include heavy highway and building construction, heavy equipment rental and repair shops, construction material production, concrete pumping, hoisting, steel mill service, slag processing, pits and quarries, landfills, testing and drilling, pipeline, landscaping, public works, and more. In addition to securing work for its union members, Local 150 fights on behalf of all working men and women to ensure fair wages and equal pay.

UPDATE: November 13, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 13, 2025

Contact: Kristine Kavanagh
(773) 620-9037
[email protected]

REPUBLICAN COUNTY OFFICIALS AND CANDIDATES VISIT IUOE LOCAL 150 STRIKE LINE IN SUPPORT OF INDIANA WORKERS

Union Invites Democratic Friends to Join IUOE Local 150 at the Picket Line to Show Support for Local Workers, Businesses, and Communities

COUNTRYSIDE, IL (November 13, 2025) – The International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) Local 150, AFL-CIO, representing over 24,000 workers in Indiana, Illinois, and Iowa who operate and maintain heavy equipment across various industries, welcomed Republican county officials and candidates from LaPorte and Porter Counties to the strike line this week in a strong show of support for local workers, local businesses, and local communities.

The officials brought coffee and donuts for striking members and stood in solidarity with Local 150 which continues to advocate for transparency, accountability, and the responsible use of taxpayer dollars. County Officials and Candidates present were: Allen Stevens – Laporte County Republican Chairman; Joe Haney – LaPorte County Commissioner; Steve Holifield – LaPorte County Commissioner; Barb Regnitz – Porter County Commissioner; Ronald “Red” Stone – Porter County Council; Anthony Ferraro; Nathan Uldricks – Porter County Republican Chairman; and Kyle Renolds – running for Porter County Council.

Local 150 appreciates that these Republican leaders recognize the broader issue at stake — the misuse of public funds to hire out-of-state contractors and workers, undermining the economic wellbeing of Hoosier families and small businesses.

“These officials took time out of their schedules to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with working men and women in their communities,” said Kristine Kavanagh, Communications Director for IUOE Local 150. “They understand that taxpayer dollars should support local jobs and local economies, not be funneled out of state to companies that give nothing back to Indiana.”

Furthermore, Phoenix Construction deployed a street sweeper onto a public road today in what we believe was an intentional effort to kick up dirt, rocks, and debris toward peaceful protesters. Video footage from the scene shows the sweeper operating with dust discharging from the left side of the vehicle—until it approached Scabby the Rat and the assembled crowd. At that point, the machine pushed debris and clouds of dust out the right side, directly into the faces of County elected officials and Local 150 supporters standing along the roadway.

Local 150 emphasized that it is a proudly bipartisan organization, with a long history of supporting both Democrats and Republicans who stand up for working people and responsible public policy.

“This is not a partisan issue,” Kavanagh continued. “It’s about fairness, accountability, and ensuring that Indiana tax dollars are used to build Indiana communities. We welcome and appreciate the support from our Republican officials and candidates — and we hope to see our Democratic leaders do the same. It’s time for everyone to do what’s right for Indiana workers and small businesses.”

At the onset of the strike, Local 150 made clear that the dispute was not political. However, comments from Mayor Angie suggesting that the strike was “just a political move” misrepresent the purpose and integrity of the workers’ actions.

Local 150 members are taking action because they care deeply about their community. Their efforts are focused on protecting taxpayer dollars and ensuring that public projects benefit the people who live and work in the area. The union emphasized that elected officials have a responsibility to stay informed about what is happening in their own communities, and expressed encouragement that leaders from both LaPorte and Porter Counties are stepping up to do exactly that.

Local 150 continues to call on all elected officials — regardless of party affiliation — to stand up for transparency, enforce public incentive requirements, and ensure that taxpayer-supported projects serve the public interest rather than out-of-state contractors and corporations.

Background on Project Maize and Labor Exclusion

Project Maize is an $832 million data center development supported by over $42 million in state tax incentives and another $29.5 million in local tax incentives. Despite these subsidies, the majority of contracts have been awarded to out-of-state contractors, bypassing Indiana firms and workers. Local 150 members have been exercising their federally protected rights to protest unfair labor practices by Phoenix Construction.

In late October 2025, Phoenix claimed that it owns Royal Road where Project Maize is located, and called Michigan City police three times about Local 150 allegedly picketing on private property.  On the first visit, police informed Local 150 that the picketers were appropriately positioned on public property. On the second visit two days later, the police changed their position and advised that Local 150 was in fact on private property. On the third visit, police arrested two Local 150 picketers and impounded Scabby and the rat van on charges of criminal trespass. Two days later, the LaPorte County prosecutor dismissed the charges in court, citing insufficient information regarding the ownership of Royal Road.

Local 150 continues to demand that Michigan City enforce their own incentive requirements and ensure Indiana workers and public resources are protected.

Indiana taxpayers deserve transparency, fairness, and accountability.

For ongoing updates, visit local150.org.

# # #

ABOUT THE IUOE LOCAL 150: The International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 150 is a labor union representing over 24,000 working men and women in Indiana, Illinois, and Iowa. Local 150 members operate and maintain heavy equipment in a variety of industries, which include heavy highway and building construction, heavy equipment rental and repair shops, construction material production, concrete pumping, hoisting, steel mill service, slag processing, pits and quarries, landfills, testing and drilling, pipeline, landscaping, public works, and more. In addition to securing work for its union members, Local 150 fights on behalf of all working men and women to ensure fair wages and equal pay.

UPDATE: November 11, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 11, 2025

Contact: Kristine Kavanagh
(773) 620-9037
[email protected]

LOCAL 150 RESEARCH REVEALS PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY IN FRONT OF PHOENIX INVESTORS PROPERTY ON PROJECT MAIZE SITE

Union Calls for Transparency After Evidence Shows Public Land Misrepresented as Private Property

COUNTRYSIDE, IL (November 11, 2025) – The International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) Local 150, AFL-CIO, representing over 24,000 workers in Indiana, Illinois, and Iowa who operate and maintain heavy equipment across various industries, is calling on Michigan City and state officials to investigate new findings showing that land in front of the Phoenix Investors property—where Project Maize is being developed—is public right-of-way, not privately owned property.

In late October 2025, Phoenix claimed that it owns Royal Road where Project Maize is located, and called Michigan City police three times about Local 150 allegedly picketing on private property.  On the first visit, police informed Local 150 that the picketers were appropriately positioned on public property. On the second visit two days later, the police changed their position and advised that Local 150 was in fact on private property. On the third visit, police arrested two Local 150 picketers and impounded Scabby and the rat van on charges of criminal trespass. Two days later, the LaPorte County prosecutor dismissed the charges in court, citing insufficient information regarding the ownership of Royal Road.

Independent research and multiple surveys reviewed by Local 150 confirm that the roadway and adjoining land fronting the Phoenix Investors site are public property, maintained as part of Indiana’s transportation infrastructure. Under Indiana law, transferring a public roadway into private ownership requires a formal process — including public notice, hearings, and approval by local governing bodies. No such process has occurred.

In addition, the right-of-way in front of the Phoenix Investors site contains flagged utility lines, which by law cannot exist on private property unless a utility easement has been set in place. Moreover, the City of Michigan City was seen plowing and maintaining this roadway just yesterday morning during the recent snowfall, further proving it is treated as public infrastructure. If the property were truly private, why is the City maintaining and plowing it?

“These findings raise serious questions about how Project Maize has been handled from the start,” said Kristine Kavanagh, Communications Director for IUOE Local 150. “Public property cannot quietly become private property without transparency, public input, and lawful approval. The people of Michigan City and the taxpayers of Indiana deserve answers.”

The revelation comes just days after Michigan City’s mayor held a press conference defending Project Maize amid growing controversy over the use of out-of-state contractors. Despite receiving $29.5 million in taxpayer-funded incentives from the City of Michigan City, the project continues to exclude local union contractors and Indiana workers from the majority of the work.

Recent on-site research by Local 150 underscores this trend: roughly 100 vehicles were observed across two Project Maize parking lots, with a significant majority bearing out-of-state license plates. Among them were 13 from Georgia, 9 from Alabama, 8 from Florida, 8 from Texas, 4 from Illinois, 3 from Kentucky, 2 each from Tennessee, Virginia, California, Ohio, and Oklahoma, and single vehicles from New York, North Carolina, South Carolina, Pennsylvania, Iowa, Kansas, and Arkansas.

An additional 8 vehicles had plates that could not be identified.

“These license plate counts tell a clear story,” Kavanagh added. “Instead of creating jobs for Indiana residents, Project Maize is bringing in workers from across the country—Georgia, Texas, Alabama, and beyond—while Hoosier workers watch from the sidelines. That’s not economic development; that’s economic displacement.”

Local 150 asserts that Project Maize has not only failed to deliver on its promises of local job creation but may now also involve the improper use or misrepresentation of public land for private gain.

“The public was promised good jobs and responsible development,” Kavanagh continued. “Instead, we’ve seen out-of-state contractors take the work and now, potentially, public property being treated as private. That’s unacceptable.”

Local 150 is calling for:

• A state and local investigation into the right-of-way and property ownership surrounding the Phoenix Investors site.
• A review of Project Maize’s compliance with all public incentive agreements and land-use approvals.
• Full transparency from Michigan City and Phoenix Investors regarding property boundaries, site control, and all communications related to public right-of-way.
• As Local 150 and community leaders have repeatedly stated, taxpayer-supported developments must serve the public interest — not private or out-of-state entities.

Background on Project Maize and Labor Exclusion

Project Maize is an $832 million data center development supported by over $42 million in state tax incentives and another $29.5 million in local tax incentives. Despite these subsidies, the majority of contracts have been awarded to out-of-state contractors, bypassing Indiana firms and workers. Local 150 members have been exercising their federally protected rights to protest unfair labor practices by Phoenix Construction.

Local 150 continues to demand that Michigan City enforce their own incentive requirements and ensure Indiana workers and public resources are protected.

Indiana taxpayers deserve transparency, fairness, and accountability.

For ongoing updates, visit local150.org.

# # #

ABOUT THE IUOE LOCAL 150: The International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 150 is a labor union representing over 24,000 working men and women in Indiana, Illinois, and Iowa. Local 150 members operate and maintain heavy equipment in a variety of industries, which include heavy highway and building construction, heavy equipment rental and repair shops, construction material production, concrete pumping, hoisting, steel mill service, slag processing, pits and quarries, landfills, testing and drilling, pipeline, landscaping, public works, and more. In addition to securing work for its union members, Local 150 fights on behalf of all working men and women to ensure fair wages and equal pay.

UPDATE: November 4, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 4, 2025

Contact: Kristine Kavanagh
(773) 620-9037
[email protected]

LOCAL 150 RESPONDS TO MAYOR OF MICHIGAN CITY’S PRESS CONFERENCE ON PROJECT MAIZE

Union Highlights Local Workers Are Receiving “Crumbs” While Out-of-State Contractors
Capture Most of the Work

COUNTRYSIDE, IL (November 4, 2025) – The International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) Local 150, AFL-CIO, representing over 24,000 workers in Indiana, Illinois, and Iowa who operate and maintain heavy equipment across various industries, is responding to comments made today by the Mayor of Michigan City during a press conference addressing the controversial Project Maize development.

During the event, the Mayor shared a list of local contractors on Project Maize. The reality is those contracts represent only a small portion of the overall work — and work given to local contractors is crumbs compared to the vast amount awarded to out-of-state contractors. Project Maize is a major $832 million data center development, where the city has made a disappointing decision to support the award work on the project to out-of-state, anti-union contractors and workers.

Local 150 reaffirms what workers and community members have been warning for months: that taxpayer-funded incentives have been used to enrich out-of-state corporations instead of creating jobs for Indiana workers.

Despite receiving $42 million in tax incentives through the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC), Project Maize’s lead contractors have imported workers from Wisconsin, Ohio, and Alabama, leaving local firms without even the opportunity to bid on major contracts. When the IEDC approved the tax incentives, they were not aware there would be out-of-state contractors on the project; however, when Michigan City approved the tax incentives, they were aware the majority of the work would be awarded to out-of-state contractors and out-of-state workers.

Today’s press conference made it clear that local workers were never the priority. The Mayor’s sharing details of token local contractors on the project confirm out-of-state firms and their workers are taking nearly all the work — after Indiana taxpayers were told this project would mean local jobs and local growth.

“Michigan City used public resources to support the out-of-state contractor and violated Local 150’s federally protected rights by having police arrest union members and seize our property,” said Kristine Kavanagh, Communications Director for IUOE Local 150. “Instead of standing up for local Indiana workers, the city has chosen to stand with out-of-state interests.”

Local 150 is calling on the IEDC and state officials to immediately review Project Maize’s compliance with state and local incentive agreements to ensure Indiana workers are prioritized on taxpayer-supported developments.

Indiana taxpayers deserve more than empty promises. If the State of Indiana and its local governments are going to hand out millions in public incentives, the jobs must go to Hoosiers — not to companies that import their own workforce.

Background: Project Maize and Local Labor Exclusion

Local 150 members were exercising their rights under the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), protesting unfair labor practices by Phoenix Construction to restrict Union Business Agents from visiting Local 150 members on site, some of the very few local workers Phoenix has chosen to date to include in Project Maize.

The protest stems from the unfair labor practices of Phoenix Construction preventing fair access by Union Business Agents from the site to see two operators onsite. Additionally, frustration surrounding Project Maize, which is expected to bring economic growth to Michigan City, but has excluded Indiana contractors and workers from participation. Despite receiving at least $42 million in tax breaks over a 35-year exemption, the project’s workforce reportedly comes from Wisconsin, Ohio, and Alabama — with little to no local representation.

Local 150 and community leaders argue that taxpayer-supported projects must invest in Indiana’s workforce, not import labor from other states. Data centers like Project Maize create the most significant economic impact during the construction phase, and by sidelining local workers, Michigan City is undermining its own economic potential.

The union is urging the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) and state officials to ensure that projects benefiting from public incentives guarantee local labor participation and support apprenticeship programs that prepare young Hoosiers for careers in high-tech construction.

For additional updates, visit local150.org.

# # #

ABOUT THE IUOE LOCAL 150: The International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 150 is a labor union representing over 24,000 working men and women in Indiana, Illinois, and Iowa. Local 150 members operate and maintain heavy equipment in a variety of industries, which include heavy highway and building construction, heavy equipment rental and repair shops, construction material production, concrete pumping, hoisting, steel mill service, slag processing, pits and quarries, landfills, testing and drilling, pipeline, landscaping, public works, and more. In addition to securing work for its union members, Local 150 fights on behalf of all working men and women to ensure fair wages and equal pay.

UPDATE: October 29, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 29, 2025

Contact: Kristine Kavanagh
(773) 620-9037
[email protected]

MICHIGAN CITY OFFICIALS VIOLATE FEDERALLY PROTECTED RIGHTS OF UNION WORKERS

City Confiscates Union Property and Arrests Peaceful Protesters Amid Controversy Over Project Maize

COUNTRYSIDE, IL (October 29, 2025) – The International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) Local 150, AFL-CIO, representing over 24,000 workers in Indiana, Illinois, and Iowa who operate and maintain heavy equipment across various industries, is condemning the City of Michigan City for illegally interfering with federally protected picket rights by confiscating Union property and arresting peaceful demonstrators during a lawful protest earlier today. Local 150 members were exercising their rights under the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), protesting unfair labor practices by Phoenix Construction to restrict Union Business Agents from visiting Local 150 members on site, some of the very few local workers Phoenix has chosen to date to include in Project Maize.

Michigan City’s decision to support the award work on Project Maize — a major $832 million data center development — to out-of-state, anti-union contractors and workers, is extremely disappointing and a disservice to the pool of talented local contractors and employees. Rather than engage in dialogue, city officials — all of whom were elected as Democrats who claim to support working people — directed police to impound Local 150’s “rat car” and an inflatable rat, both long-standing and legally protected symbols of union protest recognized by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). Officers also arrested two Local 150 members participating in the peaceful demonstration.

“This city’s leadership claims to stand with labor, but their actions show otherwise,” said Kristine Kavanagh, Communications Director for IUOE Local 150. “By seizing our property and arresting our members, they have blatantly violated our federally protected rights and sided with out-of-state, anti-union contractors over the very workers who build and maintain their communities.”

“Unfortunately, the elected officials and police department of Michigan City are utilizing force and intimidation by impounding a rat car, an inflatable rat, and arresting peaceful protestors. We will not be silenced,” Kristine Kavanagh continued. “Workers’ voices will not be crushed by political hypocrisy or heavy-handed tactics.”

Local 150 is preparing to file charges with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) and is exploring all legal remedies to hold Michigan City officials accountable for their unlawful actions.

Background: Project Maize and Local Labor Exclusion

The protest stems from the unfair labor practices of Phoenix Construction preventing fair access by Union Business Agents from the site. Additionally, frustration surrounding Project Maize, which is expected to bring economic growth to Michigan City, but has excluded Indiana contractors and workers from participation. Despite receiving at least $42 million in tax breaks over a 35-year exemption, the project’s workforce reportedly comes from Wisconsin, Ohio, and Alabama — with little to no local representation.

Local 150 and community leaders argue that taxpayer-supported projects must invest in Indiana’s workforce, not import labor from other states. Data centers like Project Maize create the most significant economic impact during the construction phase, and by sidelining local workers, Michigan City is undermining its own economic potential.

The union is urging the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) and state officials to ensure that projects benefiting from public incentives guarantee local labor participation and support apprenticeship programs that prepare young Hoosiers for careers in high-tech construction.

“If Indiana taxpayers are funding these developments, Indiana workers should be building them,” Kristine Kavanagh said. “Michigan City has chosen to give the work to out-of-state contractors who in return have hired out-of-state workers — and then used force to silence those who dared to speak out.”

# # #

ABOUT THE IUOE LOCAL 150: The International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 150 is a labor union representing over 24,000 working men and women in Indiana, Illinois, and Iowa. Local 150 members operate and maintain heavy equipment in a variety of industries, which include heavy highway and building construction, heavy equipment rental and repair shops, construction material production, concrete pumping, hoisting, steel mill service, slag processing, pits and quarries, landfills, testing and drilling, pipeline, landscaping, public works, and more. In addition to securing work for its union members, Local 150 fights on behalf of all working men and women to ensure fair wages and equal pay.

UPDATE: October 8, 2025

Background
Project Maize is being advanced by Phoenix Investors, a Milwaukee-based real estate investment firm, through its construction arm, Phoenix Construction, with Google slated as the end user of the site. While Phoenix Investors promotes itself as a leader in revitalizing commercial and industrial properties, Local 150 and numerous other locals are raising concerns due to the company using out-of-state contractors and workers instead of supporting local labor.

Rather than investing in the community workforce where the project is located in Indiana, Phoenix Construction has imported outside crews, raising concerns about lost opportunities for local jobs, fair wages, and reinvestment in the local economy.

Local 150 of the International Union of Operating Engineers is currently bannering Google, holding the tech giant accountable as the end user and the entity ultimately responsible for hiring the developer and general contractor. By turning a blind eye to the exclusion of local workers and contractors, Google and Phoenix are undermining opportunities for fair wages, good jobs, and reinvestment in the community where Project Maize is being built.

 

UPDATE: August 5, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 5, 2025

Contact: Kristine Kavanagh
(773) 620-9037
[email protected]

LOCAL 150 RAISES CONCERNS OVER INDIANA’S PROJECT MAIZE
OUT-OF-STATE CONTRACTOR AND WORKER SELECTION

Project Maize to Receive $42 Million in Tax Incentives, Yet Indiana’s Local Economy Will Not Benefit During Data Center Construction

COUNTRYSIDE, IL (August 5, 2025) – The International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) Local 150, AFL-CIO, representing over 24,000 workers in Indiana, Illinois, and Iowa who operate and maintain heavy equipment across various industries, is raising significant concerns regarding the contractor and worker selection for Project Maize, a data center located in La Porte, County. Project Maize is a major construction initiative and has the expectation of bringing economic growth to the region. Recent communications indicate that the contractors and workers currently involved in the project come from Wisconsin, Ohio, and Alabama, with no representation from Indiana.

This development has sparked disappointment among local stakeholders, who emphasize the critical economic value of utilizing local labor and contractors, since the $832 million data center operator is expected to receive, at minimum, $42 million in tax breaks over the 35-year exemption. Data centers will create some permanent jobs, but the greatest economic impact is seen in the construction phase. By employing out-of-state contractors and workers, the economic benefits to Indiana and its local communities are significantly diminished.

The exclusion of Indiana contractors and workers is particularly troubling given the substantial financial commitments projected over the next 35 years. It is insulting to many, that Indiana talent is being overlooked for such a pivotal project. The most vital component of any company receiving tax incentives to build in the State of Indiana ensures local participation in state-sponsored projects to maximize economic returns within Indiana.

Furthermore, to ensure the sustainability of the community, it is imperative to focus on workforce development for the youth. Without such initiatives, young workers are likely to leave the community. The potential departure of young talent may exacerbate the skills gap and hinder future economic growth in Indiana. By investing in training programs and apprenticeships, we can equip the next generation with the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in industries like data center construction and operation. Such programs not only provide career opportunities for young residents, but also strengthen the local talent pool, making Indiana an attractive location for future projects.

It is important to highlight that the former employees of the Indiana Economic and Development Corporation (IEDC), who were recently dismissed by Governor Mike Braun, did not guarantee that projects receiving tax incentives would also engage local contractors and workers. Local 150 hopes that the new IEDC staff will tackle this issue with Project Maize and ensure that any future projects funded by Indiana taxpayer money will benefit local communities in Indiana.

Local 150 remains committed to advocating for policies that prioritize local labor and resources, ensuring that projects like Project Maize fulfill their potential to uplift Indiana’s workforce. We urge state officials and project stakeholders to engage in open dialogue and reassess the contractor selection process to better reflect the needs and talents of Indiana’s skilled professionals.

Through collaborative efforts, stakeholders can ensure that Indiana’s economic growth is both sustainable and inclusive, leveraging the state’s local workforce to promote prosperity and innovation across Indiana. Local 150 stands ready to work with all parties involved to achieve these goals and looks forward to a constructive resolution that benefits everyone.

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ABOUT THE IUOE LOCAL 150: The International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 150 is a labor union representing over 24,000 working men and women in Indiana, Illinois, and Iowa. Local 150 members operate and maintain heavy equipment in a variety of industries, which include heavy highway and building construction, heavy equipment rental and repair shops, construction material production, concrete pumping, hoisting, steel mill service, slag processing, pits and quarries, landfills, testing and drilling, pipeline, landscaping, public works, and more. In addition to securing work for its union members, Local 150 fights on behalf of all working men and women to ensure fair wages and equal pay.