The growth in membership comes at a time when end-users, contractors and non-union skilled craftsmen are increasingly responding to the fact that America’s building trades unions offer a true value by virtue of the fact that our membership comprises the safest, most professional, the most highly skilled, and the most respected workforce in the world, and that we have become a reliable partner as a source for skilled training for the construction industry.
And it is a message that is also beginning to resonate with a new generation of young Americans and recent military veterans who, in their pursuit of stable careers, are increasingly considering union apprenticeship programs.
As a result, America’s building trades unions are optimistic that they will enjoy similar growth in 2008.
“We do not intend to rest on our laurels,” said Ayers. “Our unions are actively pursuing new approaches – such as local union accountability measures and jobsite codes-of-conduct – that are designed to further enhance our overall commitment to excellence on the job, as well as our growing reputation as a trusted business partner.”