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Low-key start for National Construction Alliance

Date Posted: May 19 2006

Until this month, there hasn't been much news about the formation of the new National Construction Alliance, which was announced in February.

Now there are now some answers, and still a few questions, about the structure of the alliance. The NCA opened for business with little fanfare on May 1, and the founding members include the United Brotherhood of Carpenters, Laborers International Union and the Operating Engineers. Three other unions may participate, but in an indirect manner.

Established in 1908, the Building Trades Department had operated as the umbrella group for all construction craft unions - until recent years. The Carpenters were the first to bolt from the department in a dispute over how their dues money was being spent on organizing.

Presidents of the Operating Engineers and the Laborers, who have led the latest break, said in a statement at the time that "we must - and we will - pursue a course of action that best serves the interests of our members, our local unions and the construction industry in which we work."

Laborers President Terrence O'Sullivan and Operating Engineers President Vincent Giblin said in a joint statement that "persistent and lengthy attempts to reform the AFL-CIO Building and Construction Trades Department were not successful." They said needed reforms included changing the Building Trades Department's governance structure and changing jurisdictional rule, because they no longer reflect today's construction industry and "hurt union contractors."

Originally, the Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers, the Iron Workers and the Teamsters were going to join the alliance (while staying affiliated with the Building Trades Department), but the BAC and Iron Workers are expected to participate "indirectly, instead of directly" with the NCA according to a source familiar with developments as quoted by the Construction Labor Report.

The Construction Labor Report also said:

  • The Heavy and Highway Alliance, which already includes road-building unions, would be merged into the National Construction Alliance.
  • The Bricklayers and Iron Workers are expected to pay fees to the NCA to continue participating in the heavy and highway project agreement.
  • The Teamsters returned to the Building Trades Department in April under a Solidarity Charter arrangement, which allows the union to participate in project labor agreements, but limits voting rights within the department.
  • Building trades councils in Michigan and other states report that to date, there have been no changes in their relationships with the local NCA unions.