Construction Unions Leverage Social Issues to Pressure Owners, General Contractors
Construction unions, traditionally male-dominated, are leveraging the growing presence of women in their ranks to apply pressure on owners and contractors to obtain work. This new tactic is another method in unions’ “corporate campaigns” where construction unions create adverse publicity and apply political pressure on owners to hire union labor.
Recently, a local of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Works (IBEW) placed a full-page ad criticizing Wellesley College, a prestigious all-women’s college, for its purported failure to support female construction workers. The IBEW criticized the college’s selection of non-union contractors to perform work on a large construction project at the college. The union claimed that by hiring non-union labor, the women’s college was undermining female construction workers who work for union subcontractors. It claimed that union contractors employ more female workers and apprentices than non-union contractors. The electricians’ union, however, only raised this issue after losing a bid for some of the work on the project.
More and more women are joining the construction industry. One survey shows that female workers in the construction industry increased by 13 percent in two years. As a result of this increase, employers can expect more of this new “corporate campaign” tactic. Construction trade unions are being creative and tapping into prevalent social issues when applying pressure to owners of construction projects.
Jackson Lewis attorneys available to answer employers’ questions about corporate campaigns and union organizing.
© Jackson Lewis P.C. This material is provided for informational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute legal advice nor does it create a client-lawyer relationship between Jackson Lewis and any recipient. Recipients should consult with counsel before taking any actions based on the information contained within this material. This material may be considered attorney advertising in some jurisdictions. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Focused on labor and employment law since 1958, Jackson Lewis P.C.'s 1000+ attorneys located in major cities nationwide consistently identify and respond to new ways workplace law intersects business. We help employers develop proactive strategies, strong policies and business-oriented solutions to cultivate high-functioning workforces that are engaged, stable and diverse, and share our clients' goals to emphasize inclusivity and respect for the contribution of every employee. For more information, visit https://www.jacksonlewis.com.