What Is Organizing?

In the construction industry, organizing is not only the process by which non-union contractors and tradesmen become Unionized. It is also the process by which construction projects come to require the use of Union Contractors.

Why Do We Organize?

The purpose of our organizing efforts is first and foremost to keep our members working. Convincing owners/developers and non-union contractors of the benefits of hiring a union trained workforce increases the opportunities for our members and allows our existing contractors to compete on a level playing field.

In the construction industry everything revolves around around the lowest price. Let's face the fact that Health Insurance and Retirement benefits are expensive. That being the case many project owners and developers could care less if the construction workers on their job have any benefits at all if it is going to save them a few dollars on the construction cost.

That is why the Carpenters Union is so active with our Area Standards Campaigns.

Increasing our number of contractors, manhours and members increases our Market Share. The higher our Market Share is the more power we have at the bargaining table when we sit down to negotiate our next contract.

How can I Get Involved?

The easiest way to get involved is to attend your monthly Union meetings and/or join your Local's Member Action Committee. Our organizers are always looking for help from the membership. One of the things you can do to help may be as simple as picking up the phone and letting one of our organizers know that there is a project proposed for a site down the street from your house. If you really want to get involved that organizer may ask you to attend the Town Board meetings in an effort to get that job to go Union.

Contact One of your Local Organizing Representatives for more information.