Laborers rally on the steps of WTNH

New Haven, Connecticut (WTNH) - A labor rally brings Connecticut construction workers right to the front door of NewsChannel 8.

They wanted their voices heard because they have a message for lawmakers.

Demonstrations are designed to get your attention and furthermore, designed to send a message. But protestors in New Haven are taking things one step further, taking their message directly to the media -- gathering in front of NewsChannel 8's building in downtown New Haven.

They don't want to work at NewsChannel 8, they just want to work in Connecticut. "We're looking to close our borders in Connecticut and give these jobs back to the working people," said Charles LeConche of the Connecticut Laborers District Council.

The unions representing the state's construction workers say that hasn't been happening recently. They point to the work to rebuild a railroad bridge in Niantic -- a job awarded to a company in Maine. They also say out-of-state workers are also doing the new Q Bridge project and they want to know what happened to investing in your community?

"These are guys that work hard, they need a job to support their family, pay their taxes in their community," said John Olsen of the Connecticut AFL-CIO. "If we really want to help this country, we've got to build a middle class and it starts with the construction trade."

This message was essentially delivered to journalists, but it's pretty clear they want lawmakers to hear it -- saying, 'this comes down to jobs.. protect ours or you're going to lose yours'.

"If you don't work with us during this political campaign to stimulate Connecticut's economy, we're taking your seat away" added a fired-up LeConche!

They may not have jobs, but when it comes to politics, they feel like they've got power. Power that they're not afraid to use.