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.
The Contractor:
- Wins Bids
- Develops Plans and Budgets
- Acquires Materials and Equipment
- Secures Regulatory Approvals
- Completes Project On-Time and On Budget
The Union:
- Recruits Workers
- Works Jointly with Employers to Train Workers
- Sends Skilled Workers to Your Jobsite
- Promotes Safety, Skill, Efficiency
- Manages Worker Benefits
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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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.
LEARN HOW PARTNERING WITH BUILDING TRADE UNIONS CAN HELP CONTROL CONSTRUCTION COSTS
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For many contractors in Minnesota, unions deliver a more predictable workforce supply, alongside higher levels of workforce productivity. Recent research consistently shows that union construction projects are no more expensive than non-union projects, and one recent study concluded that union jobsites reduce the risk of cost and schedule overruns by 40%.
Looking for Skilled Trade Workers?
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.
