News

The construction industry is being exempted from new rules established by the United States Department of Labor that allow Industry Recognized Apprenticeship Programs. “IRAPs” are informal programs with reduced regulation that may receive funding from the federal government. The exemption for the construction industry is the result of efforts by unions and members to educate the Trump administration about existing apprenticeship programs in the industry that are privately funded and have a history of providing sufficient and successful training.

UBC General President Doug McCarron began making the case after being appointed to serve on the President’s Task Force on Apprenticeship, which ultimately suggested IRAPs. During the comment period before new rules were published, regional councils and members of the UBC sent letters to the Department of Labor and urged elected officials to weigh in on behalf of a construction exemption.

Anti-union groups had lobbied to allow IRAPs in construction so they could access government funding and claim credibility for programs that aren’t serious efforts to train trades workers. They are expected to file suit over the exemption.