Employers and Construction Trade Unions:

How Partnership can Offer Relief from Contracting Headaches.

PARTNERING WITH UNIONS HELPS DELIVER A RELIABLE SUPPLY OF SKILLED LABOR – NOW AND IN THE FUTURE

When construction employers and trade unions work together—it can help control project costs, reduce the risk of labor shortages, improve productivity and safety on the jobsite, and deliver a healthier bottom line. Read on to learn more.

A STRONGER WORKFORCE TRAINING PIPELINE

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Research shows that Minnesota’s union-affiliated apprenticeship programs deliver training outcomes that rival Minnesota’s 4-year public universities, and produce 93% of the state’s skilled trade workers. Managed jointly by employers and unions, these programs are designed to deliver a reliable supply of sufficiently skilled workers, whenever and wherever contractors need them.

FEWER LABOR SHORTAGES

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A recent analysis of contractor survey data from the Association of General Contractors of America found that non-union contractors were 24% more likely to report workforce supply problems, 45% more likely to report project delays due to labor shortages, 75% more likely to report losing workers to other industries, and 93% more likely to classify their workforce training pipeline as “poor” compared to their union counterparts.  (Business Insider: If you want a construction project finished on time without worker shortages, hire a unionized crew, a new report says)

LOWER WORKFORCE RECRUITMENT AND ONBOARDING COSTS

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When you partner with a union, the cost of recruiting or onboarding new employees is zero. You call the union, which sends out a worker and handles all the paperwork. If the worker is not the right fit for the project, or if the project is completed, you send them back to union hall. You can also choose to retain the worker as an employee, utilizing their skills and experience to help your business innovate and grow.

SUPERIOR SAFETY OUTCOMES

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Construction is physically demanding work. Safety problems can impose huge costs on contractors –in litigation, insurance and workers compensation claims, workforce productivity losses, and fixing defective craftmanship. Research in Minnesota shows that union jobsites are 40% less likely to be cited for jobsite safety violations. This results in higher earnings for contractors—not lawyers and insurance companies.

Consider a Partnership with a Trade Union

Are you a Contractor in need of skilled trade workers?  Minnesota’s union construction sector produces thousands of new apprentices and journey workers every year, each trained to meet the highest standards of safety, efficiency and craftsmanship.  Contact us today to learn how we can help meet your short and long-term skilled workforce needs.