News

Brothers and Sisters: In this issue of the Professional Carpenter, we’re highlighting a number of exciting things that are helping us build our union and our power. From recruiting and organizing to training and community action to business development to political action, we are putting in the work.

It’s worth reminding ourselves of the visions we have developed for our work as a union. To build a stronger future together, we:

• Look further ahead to create more opportunities;
• Transform our culture to focus on collaboration and teamwork;
• Grow sustainably by cultivating our members and our leaders.

We can see our vision put to work directly in the actions we take in regards to training, organizing and political action.

We know there is no training like training implemented by the Carpenters union. We have always provided members and employers with skills they need to meet the increasing demands of the industry. More than ever before, we do it by seeking and listening to input from members and contractors, then offering specific programs they want and need.

There are several recent examples right in these pages of how our training has listened and responded effectively to the industry. In one case, it’s already led to tremendous work hours for members.

Organizing is at the heart of who we are and how we operate, both internally and with our unrepresented Brothers and Sisters. It makes me proud to see the resources and strategic decisions employed by our staff magnified by the power of members’ voices. Whether it’s a jobsite action to get workers paid or an encouraging talk with a prospective member at a Little League field, every time we “educate, agitate and organize,” we grow stronger.

Some conversations can be more difficult, like politics in an election year. As an active political union over more than 140 years, though, union carpenters have navigated the political waters effectively. We do it by making our common issues our priority; jobs, rights and union standards. We will not let other issues distract or divide us. That’s why we’ve been a powerful political force at election time, in legislative halls and local government.

Construction projects come and go but our union endures. We share interests and values. We unite around them. We know that working together we can all do better than each of us working on our own.

It is an honor to stand with you, Brothers and Sisters, and I look forward to working with you to secure our future through our shared vision.

In solidarity,

Joe Byrne