Unions are a key part of the construction industry. From iron workers and painters to carpenters, roofers and operating engineers, most construction trades have a union. Unions are dedicated to their members’ common interests—good wages, benefits, training and apprenticeship programs, health insurance, vacation and sick leave, retirement benefits and more. Acting collectively puts unions in a powerful bargaining position with employers. For young people starting out in a trade, most unions offer the kind of training that leads to higher pay and better career opportunities. So if you want your best shot at all types of better and safe working conditions, consider joining a union.
Laborers’ Local Union 1010—Keeping NYC Roads in Good Repair
The 2500+ members of Laborers Local 1010 have a critical job—repairing and maintaining virtually every road, street, highway, and boulevard in the five boroughs of New York City. These road and paver tradesmen have specialty skills that include road finishing, asphalt milling and paving, removal, form setting, and finishing of sidewalks and curbs, as well as installation of all types of paving blocks, specialty surfaces and even playground equipment. And they keep up their skills and knowledge with classroom and onsite training. There’s always more to learn about the technology and the most cost-effective way to complete a job on time and on budget.
Greater New York LECET: A Union-Management Partnership on an Important Mission
Unions do many things for their members. Just take a look at the Greater New York LECET (Laborers-Employers Cooperation and Education Trust). GNYLECET is the New York Metro, Non-Profit Trust of the Laborers' International Union of North America, LIUNA, one of the country’s oldest and largest labor unions.
LECET is a Labor-Management partnership that connects a broad spectrum of people, including the public, the community, faith-based contractors and developers. Its mission is to raise awareness of the accomplishments of working members while aspiring to enhance opportunities and market share for the membership as well as for signatory contractors. LECET seeks to combat exploitation and enhance the lives of people from distressed communities, recent immigrants and individuals re-entering society, among others, through marketing, legislation, advocacy and community engagement.
And its goals are realistic. Joining together to identify strengths and improve any weaknesses, GNYLECET management and labor members work toward maintaining a competitive edge for individual contractors—and for unions in general— within the construction and real estate industries. Because GNYLECET believes, “When labor and management work together, we all win.”
Fast Facts about Builders
Augmented reality is affecting construction—in winning more projects, improving safety and facilitating team interaction.
Women are increasingly joining the construction workforce, in skilled trades all the way to the executive suite.
From AI and advanced intelligent materials to drones and robotics, the construction industry is building better and more sustainably.
Skilled trades let you follow your passion in a specialized way.
Infrastructure builds big to move people and products.
There are many paths to construction and many ways to get there.
Construction is going green every which way, every day.
You can use your skills, make good money, and do something meaningful.
