News from associated
builders and contractors

Construction workers in the United States have the freedom to choose their employment relationship with the company where they work—whether that means pursuing a path through a union, being employed directly with a company of their choice or seeking work independently as a contractor.

By and large (save for a few notable state exceptions on government-funded work), construction companies also have the freedom to choose how to engage with their workforce. They can rely on unions to provide them with labor; they can attract, retain and upskill talent directly as employees; they can hire subcontractors; or any combination of the above. This freedom of choice is the lifeblood of fair and open competition, which is the fuel for innovation that creates pathways to fulfillment in construction careers. This is “the merit shop—for the betterment of the individual, the industry and the nation.” And this November, these freedoms—the “credo” of ABC as documented in Article I of our bylaws—are on the ballot.

Under the Biden administration, we have seen the trajectory of the future—a future in which this freedom to choose ceases to exist. It is guaranteed, in a Harris-Walz administration, that freedom in the workplace will no longer exist in our industry, as the PRO Act (forced union membership) and government-mandated project labor agreements (construction projects built exclusively with union labor) will become the law of the land.

A Trump-Vance administration promises to guarantee these freedoms of choice, and backs up that promise with a proven track record. Under President Trump, there were zero government-mandated PLAs—and during his term, Trump also promised to veto the PRO Act if it were to ever cross his desk.
As you head to the polls this November, remember this: The choice is clear for the merit shop.