A deep-dive analysis conducted by the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) has revealed a trend being praised as an advantage by the state’s affiliate, ABC Alabama.
According to data sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, union membership within in the construction industry has hit a record low of 10.3%. That follows a decrease from the prior historic low of 10.7% in 2023.
“I firmly believe that the low rate of union membership nationally is a testament to the construction industry’s commitment to providing safe and adequate working conditions and fair wages,” said Jay Reed, president of Associated Builders and Contractors of Alabama. “The vast majority of construction workers are simply not buying into the standard union playbook.”
Board Chairman Tim Harrison of Harrison Construction agreed with Reed and attributed the drop in membership to better relations between employers and employees, effectively eliminating the need for union membership.
“In the construction industry, your personnel are everything,” said Harrison. “Our labor force knows that we have their back, and they do not want out-of-state union bosses complicating employer and employee relationships. The BLS report is just confirmation of the extraordinary relationship between business and labor in our industry.”
Harrison emphasized the importance of drawing newer, younger workers into the industry to offset the retirement rate.
“Merit shop contractors must continue to invest in workforce development for unions serving the Uitiatives and continuing education opportunities to fill the employee shortage in our industry. As our aging experienced workers are retiring at record rates, these initiatives will attract a younger demographic by allowing them to reach the American dream.”
The BLS report indicated that 7,978,000 construction industry workers were not union members in 2024, which is 12,000 more than in 2023. Additionally, union membership decreased by 38,000 workers last year.
Associated Builders and Contractors of Alabama represents the state’s construction industry, which creates 200,000 jobs and accounts for 5% of the state’s economic output.
Austen Shipley is the News Director for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @ShipleyAusten
