Our Union Family
By Aaron Butler, President, AZBTC
Arizona Building and Construction Trades Council affiliate unions have enjoyed a good year. Nationwide, unions are seeing a resurgence in popularity. According to a recent Gallop poll, 68% of Americans support labor unions. This is contributing to our growing numbers here in Arizona.
Our affiliate union Business Managers and Business Agents report that our expanding membership is helping to meet the demand for skilled labor on projects throughout our state. With more business investment in Arizona and major projects on the horizon, the need to recruit and train highly skilled tradespersons will continue to be a priority for AZBTC. Contractors and project owners who work with unions know that the emphasis on quality craftsmanship, efficiency and safety results in on-time, on-budget projects.
Construction can be an inherently dangerous profession. AZBTC members believe every worker deserves to come home safe after every shift. Looking after our fellow tradespersons, union and nonunion, on large industrial projects is our top concern, and one of the most important aspects of training. That’s why we band together to make sure that job sites are safe and report any safety concerns to our contractors and project owners, especially on sites with several hundred workers representing multiple trades. And as advanced processes and new materials are implemented on job sites, union training programs adapt their safety training programs to include the most-up-to-date information and protocols. This is just one more reason why registered apprenticeship programs are the gold standard when it comes to building and construction trades training.
This commitment to looking out for others extends beyond the job site. Thank you to everyone who participated in our AZBTC Joe Standley Golf Tournament benefitting Labor’s Community Action Service. In addition, our AZBTC members are gearing up for the holidays by giving their time and talents to the community through toy and food bank drives, and community projects. This is union culture!
I’m proud to call the members of AZBTC my brothers and sisters, and look forward to expanding our union family as we work together to build Arizona’s future.