Construction Unions have been around in the United States since the 1935. In 1935, the Federal Labor Relations Act gave U.S. workers the right to have collective bargaining rights. Since then, unions appeared and grew.
Most construction trades have unions and your trade (as a contractor) usually determines what union you will be in. The union guarantees training that will help increase a contractor’s pay, pension plan, and access to job opportunities.
Here are the top/most popular construction unions:
Laborers’ International Union of America – This union, also known as the Laborer’s Union, was formed in 1903; it has more than 500,000 members in nine regions. This union was one of the first unions to create a plan to help improve health and safety of workers and drug/alcohol rehabilitation programs.
United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America – This union was founded in 1881 and it has more than 500,000 members in the North American chapter. For years, they fought for increased wages, sickness/death benefits and eight-hour work days
United Association of Journeyman and Apprentices of the Plumbing, Pipefitting, and Sprinkler Fitting Industry of the United States and Canada – This union was founded in 1889 and its membership has grown a lot after World War II.
Sheet Metal Workers International Association – This union began in 1888. This union is fo anyone in the trade of architectural sheet metal work, heating and air conditioning work, shipbuilding, appliance construction, specialty parts manufacturing, heater and boiler construction, and any other job using sheet metal. In 2004, they merged with the United Transportation Union to become the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers, known as SMART.
International Union of Painters and Allied Trades – This union began in 1887 and has 160,000 members who are painters, glaziers, floor installers, glass workers, drywall finishers, wall coverers, and more.
Unions exist in the construction industry because it is a difficult and dangerous job, so it ensures workers are getting the right benefits they deserve.
As a contractor, you can join a union and fight for your rights and benefits, so you can have a successful career. Looking to get your contractor license? We can help
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