In More Than Half of US States, at Least 90% of the Construction Workforce Does Not Belong to a Union

WASHINGTON, April 13—According to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of 2022 state union membership data published recently by UnionStats.com, at least 9 out of 10 construction workers in private industry do not belong to a union in 26 states, up from 24 states in 2021. Nationwide, a record 88.3% of construction workers do not belong to a union, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, up from 87.4% in 2021.

“Data continues to suggest that the vast majority of construction industry professionals freely choose not to join a union,” said Ben Brubeck, ABC vice president of regulatory, labor and state affairs. “This illustrates why it makes no sense for the Biden administration to continue to advance controversial policies requiring workers on federal and federally assisted construction projects to join a union and/ or pay union dues through schemes like project labor agreements and other anti-competitive and inflationary policies. Worker choice and freedoms create immense value for taxpayers and the construction industry, yet the Biden administration continues to undermine these principles with burdensome regulations that needlessly raise costs on taxpayer-funded construction projects and steer contracts to unionized contractors and workers.”

The construction industry awaits a final rule implementing President Joe Biden’s Executive Order 14063, which requires project labor agreements on federal construction projects of $35 million or more. Research has found government-mandated PLAs increase infrastructure project costs by 12% to 20%. The Biden administration is also pushing state and local governments applying for more than $250 billion in federal infrastructure grants to require PLAs in order to enhance their ability to receive federal money. This executive overreach will also exacerbate the construction industry’s skilled labor shortage of more than half a million people by excluding the 88% of the industry that chooses not to join a union and will undermine taxpayer investments in America’s infrastructure and clean energy projects.

“ABC will continue to challenge anti-competitive regulations that favor special interests and advocate for all construction workers to be welcome to build taxpayer-funded infrastructure projects,” said Brubeck.

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Burns & McDonnell

…an engineering, architecture, and construction firm, held a ribboncutting and open house event with the Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast to celebrate the company’s rapid growth in Florida and its latest office opening in Melbourne. The Melbourne office currently employs ten staff members, but the company plans to double this number by the end of 2023 and reach 50 employee-owners before 2025. The company’s growth is a testament to the momentum generated by innovative aerospace, space, and defense projects along Florida’s Space Coast.

“We look forward to being part of the economic growth and prosperity of Melbourne and Florida as we build a thriving and growing aerospace team — right here in the Space Coast,” said Rich Mahaley, vice president and general manager of Burns & McDonnell in Florida. “Our Melbourne team is delivering innovative solutions and we are thrilled to work with our commercial aerospace partners. As we add exceptional talent to this growing team, we’ll continue delivering world-class service to support the Space Coast and surrounding communities.”

The Collage Companies

…has been selected by The City of Bunnell, located in Flagler County, as their design build partner for the 18,000 SF Administration/ Police Department Complex expected to be completed in 2024. The new complex will be built on a 2.8-acre lot near State Road 100 and Commerce Parkway. The one-level, L-shaped structure is built on pediments, or triangular gables, and angular columns creating a portico-like walkway along the two front parts of the white building. The new structure will be home to administration for the municipality as well as the police department.

PCL Construction Services, Inc.

… is proud to share that they have been recognized by Great Place to Work® and Fortune® magazine as one of the 2023 Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For®. This is PCL’s 14th appearance on the prestigious list. Making the list is highly competitive and is based on employee surveys which reflect a comprehensive picture of the workplace experience.

Giving back to the community is just one of the many reasons PCL employees believe this is one of the best places to work. The Florida Buildings Group supported a variety of organizations such as Heart of Florida United Way, Second Harvest Food Bank, Habitat for Humanity, Broward Pantry, Ronald McDonald House, Boys & Girls

Club of America, Down Syndrome Association of Central Florida, UCP of Central Florida and many more. Each of these organizations are changing people’s lives and impacting communities.

“Our company works to build and help the communities around us. I am incredibly proud of the individuals that are a part of these organizations and proud that we represent the heart of PCL Construction in the community through volunteer efforts, events, fundraisers, and more,” said Rick Goldman, vice president and district manager, Florida Buildings Group. “PCL is a company that not only builds communities but gives back to them as well. Our people are our greatest asset and are what make PCL a great place to work.”

As a 100% employee-owned company, PCL believes the ownership business model plays a major contributing factor in earning this honor as one of the best places to work in the country.

Quinco Electrical, Inc.

…is proud to announce that they have been selected to be the main electrical contractor at The Great Wolf Lodge project located in Naples, FL. This extravagant lodge features 500 family-friendly suites and a massive 100,000 SF indoor water park. The resort will sit on 20 acres on the eastern edge of Collier County making for a convenient, fun-filled getaway for families across South Florida. They are pleased to be partnering with Suffolk Construction and are excited to see the progress throughout this project. They have been working diligently for the past five months and could not be more pleased with their team’s hard work. With a rough construction timeline of 18-24 months, Great Wolf Lodge South Florida is expected to celebrate its grand opening in spring/summer of 2024.

Westbrook Service Corporation

…is excited to announce that Brian King, president and CEO, became just the third majority owner since the company’s founding in 1949. Brian and his team have dedicated themselves to creating a company culture that is so profoundly different that it leaves a lasting impact on the lives of Westbrook employees and their community. They have accomplished this by creating stability for the team in a way not often seen in the construction/service industry through competitive pay, consistent hours, low health insurance premiums/deductibles, eight paid holidays, and annual bonuses. The company has also prioritized carrying out Westbrook’s company culture into the surrounding community and beyond by using Westbrook’s resources to volunteer with local and global nonprofit organizations like No Child Hungry. Within his time as majority owner, Brian has successfully unified a once divided company through positive culture and values, instilling a sense of teamwork and camaraderie that is visible in Westbrook’s work.

Wharton-Smith, Inc.

…is pleased to announce the promotion of Tim Smith to the role of president and CEO. Tim, who was named as the company’s president last year, assumed the CEO helm on April 3, 2023. In this role, he will continue to focus on the company’s growth and guide its path as one of the most renowned construction firms in the south.

Tim is a servant leader. He advocates for every client, team member, and philanthropic partner, helping Wharton-Smith achieve its vision –to be the construction group of choice.

“To be named president and CEO is the realization of a 40year journey. Along the way I have been given the opportunity to be mentored by some incredible leaders. The exposure and experiences I have had in my career at Wharton-Smith have prepared me for this new role and I am grateful for those who led the way for me,” says Tim Smith.

Tim joined the company in 1984 at age 16, starting at the bottom and learning his way up the ladder. During 35 years of incredible growth and change, Tim has served the company in many roles, from laborer to president. He holds a bachelor’s degree in finance from Auburn University and a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Central Florida. Tim is a professional engineer and a licensed general contractor.

Williams Company Management Group

….had another great year cycling for the American Diabetes Association’s Tour De Cure Florida! They had 20 cyclists participate in this event and are proud to say that they raised over $130,000 for the American Diabetes Association. For 13 years, they have supported this vital organization and want to thank all their participants, sponsors, donors, and volunteers.

… is proud to announce the recent completion of an exciting project on Stetson University’s campus. The Cici & Hyatt Brown Hall for Health & Innovation Center is a new building that will provide a state-of-the-art experience for both students and staff alike. Equally as exciting is their next Stetson project at a very historical building on campus, Chaudoin Hall. Originally constructed in phases in the late 1800s and early 1900s, this historical landmark on campus will be upgraded to include an enhanced environment focusing on the comfort and safety of this student dorm facility. Their focus on the three-story building upgrade will entail a detailed effort to improve many facets within the building without compromising its historic charm.

WPC

…in partnership with American Residential Communities (ARC) and New South Residential, LLC, broke ground on two new affordable housing projects in Central Florida. Bringing the total number of affordable housing projects between WPC and ARC to six, including five senior communities and one family-housing community. Projects include Madison Landing and Madison Landing II (both located in

Orange County) and Madison Heights and Madison Highlands (both located in Hillsborough County). The two new projects Madison Grove and Madison Oaks West are in Osceola and Marion counties, respectively.

… broke ground in January on Madison Grove, a 71,546 SF affordable senior living community, located at 3400 Progress Lane in St. Cloud, Florida. The $23.5 million project will be built on 2.01 acres of land featuring 80 units comprised of 53 one-bedroom and 27 two-bedroom units.

…broke ground in April on Madison Oaks West, a 94,000 SF affordable family community located in Ocala, Florida. The $21.9 million project will be built on 5.07 acres of land featuring 96 units comprised of 24 one -bedroom, 54 two-bedroom and 18 threebedroom units. In line with ARC’s signature art for their high-rise communities the company will commission Andrew Spear to create an original design depicting natural elements capturing the essence of the respective communities.