Member Outreach:

In the construction industry, organizing is not only the process by which non-union contractors and tradesmen become unionized, but also the way construction projects come to require the use of Union contractors. Over 125 years ago, carpenters banded together with a vision of a better life for workers and the families they provide for. Today, this effort continues.

Banding Together to Fight for Fairness
The purpose of organizing is to first and foremost keep our members working by convincing owners, developers and non-union contractors of the benefits of hiring a union trained workforce which helps to increase the opportunities for our members and allows our existing contractors to compete on a level playing field.

The Empire State District Council of Carpenters also educate, disquiet and organize members to demand better working conditions by confronting their employer at the workplace. Furthermore, we bring together workers to teach them how bargain and stand with them through their fight for fairness.

Increasing Union Market Share
Project owners and developers in the construction industry looking to build at the lowest cost are often wary of the costs of health insurance and retirement benefits for their workers. The Empire State District Council of Carpenters works to guarantee these benefits for our workers by being extremely active with our Area Standards Campaigns. We work to increase our number of contractors, man-hours and members to increase market share, giving the union more power at the bargaining table when we sit down to negotiate contracts.

How Can I Get Involved?
The easiest way to get involved is to attend your monthly union meetings and to join your Local’s Member Action Committee. Our organizers are always looking for help from the membership and helping out may be as simple as letting an organizer know about a proposed project or by attending the Town Board meetings in an effort to secure a job for the union. Each contribution, regardless of its size, can make a significant difference for our union. Contact one of your Local Organizing Representative for more information on ways that you can get involved.