illinois

International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers

The International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers (BAC) is a labor union representing skilled workers in various masonry and trowel trades. Established in 1865, it is one of the oldest continuous unions in North America. BAC members specialize in working with brick, stone, marble, tile, terrazzo, and other masonry materials. Bricklayers construct walls, chimneys, and other structures using bricks, concrete blocks, and similar materials. Stone masons work with natural and artificial stone to create facades, decorative elements, and structural components. Tile setters install ceramic, mosaic, and marble tiles on floors, walls, and ceilings. Terrazzo workers create decorative flooring by embedding marble chips or other materials in cement and polishing the surface. Pointer-cleaner-caulkers (PCCs) maintain and restore masonry structures, performing tasks like repointing mortar joints and waterproofing. The union also represents marble masons, who work with marble and other stone in building interiors, and refractory workers, who install heat-resistant materials in high-temperature industrial settings. BAC provides comprehensive training programs to ensure its members maintain high skill levels in traditional techniques while adapting to new materials and technologies. The union advocates for fair wages, safe working conditions, and benefits for its members across the United States and Canada, playing a crucial role in maintaining quality standards in masonry and related crafts in the construction industry.

International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers

The International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers represents skilled tradespeople who specialize in various aspects of metal construction. Members of this union, known as ironworkers, perform critical tasks in building infrastructure and structures. They erect the steel frameworks of bridges, skyscrapers, and industrial buildings, often working at great heights. Reinforcing ironworkers, also called rodmen, place and tie the steel bars (rebar) used to reinforce concrete in foundations, walls, and other structures. Ornamental ironworkers install metal stairways, catwalks, gratings, and window frames. Additionally, union members work on curtain walls, metal windows, and architectural and ornamental metalwork. Their expertise extends to welding, rigging, and operating specialized equipment essential for handling and positioning heavy steel components. The union ensures its members are trained in these specialized skills and advocates for their safety and fair compensation in this physically demanding and often hazardous field.

Laborers' International Union of North America

The Laborers' International Union of North America (LIUNA) is a diverse labor union representing workers primarily in the construction industry, but also in various other sectors. Founded in 1903, LIUNA members perform a wide range of tasks essential to building and maintaining infrastructure. Laborers often handle the foundational work on construction sites, including site preparation, excavation, and concrete pouring. They build scaffolding, operate small machinery, and assist with demolition. LIUNA members also work in areas such as hazardous waste removal, asbestos abatement, and tunnel construction. Beyond construction, the union represents workers in fields like healthcare, municipal services, and food service. LIUNA is known for its emphasis on training programs that help members acquire new skills and adapt to changing technologies in their industries. The union advocates for fair wages, workplace safety, and comprehensive benefits for its members across the United States and Canada.

Operative Plasterers' & Cement Masons' International Association

The Operative Plasterers' & Cement Masons' International Association (OPCMIA) is a trade union representing skilled workers in the construction industry, specifically those who work with plaster, cement, and concrete. Founded in 1864, it is one of the oldest building trades unions in North America. OPCMIA members specialize in applying and finishing various types of plaster and cement-based materials. Plasterers work on interior and exterior walls, ceilings, and decorative elements, creating smooth or textured surfaces and ornamental designs. They apply plaster over lath, foam, or other substrates to form walls, ceilings, and architectural features. Cement masons focus on working with concrete in various forms. They pour, spread, smooth, and finish concrete for structures like foundations, floors, sidewalks, and roads. Their work involves setting the forms that hold concrete, ensuring proper curing, and creating specific textures or patterns on concrete surfaces. The union provides extensive training programs to ensure its members stay current with evolving techniques and materials in their craft. OPCMIA advocates for fair wages, safe working conditions, and benefits for its members, playing a crucial role in maintaining high standards in plastering and concrete work across the construction industry.

United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America

The United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America (UBC) is one of the largest and oldest trade unions in North America, founded in 1881. It represents skilled workers in various aspects of the construction industry and related fields. UBC members perform a wide range of tasks crucial to building construction and maintenance. Traditional carpentry work includes framing structures, installing drywall, building and installing cabinetry, and finishing interior woodwork. Carpenters also work on large-scale projects like bridge building, constructing concrete forms, and erecting scaffolding. The union's scope extends beyond typical carpentry. Members work as millwrights, installing and maintaining industrial machinery and equipment. Floor layers install various types of flooring materials. Pile drivers specialize in driving piles for foundations in marine construction. Additionally, UBC represents workers in areas such as cabinet making, exhibit building, and even shipbuilding. The UBC places a strong emphasis on training and apprenticeship programs, ensuring its members are skilled in both traditional techniques and modern technologies used in construction. The union advocates for fair wages, workplace safety, and comprehensive benefits for its diverse membership across the United States and Canada.

International Union of Operating Engineers

The International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) is a diverse trade union representing workers who primarily operate and maintain heavy equipment and stationary engines. Founded in 1896, it is one of the oldest trade unions in North America. IUOE members work across various sectors of the construction industry and beyond. In construction, operating engineers operate heavy machinery such as cranes, excavators, bulldozers, and graders. They are crucial to major infrastructure projects, including road construction, bridge building, and large-scale earthmoving operations. The union also represents stationary engineers who operate and maintain systems that provide heat, air conditioning, ventilation, and power in large buildings. These skilled technicians work in facilities like hospitals, schools, office buildings, and industrial plants. IUOE's scope extends to other specialized areas. Some members work as mechanics, repairing and maintaining the heavy equipment used in construction. Others operate pipeline equipment or work in the energy sector, including in oil refineries and power plants. The union places a strong emphasis on training and apprenticeship programs, ensuring its members are skilled in operating increasingly complex and technologically advanced machinery. This includes training on computerized systems and GPS-guided equipment now common in modern construction. IUOE advocates for fair wages, workplace safety, and comprehensive benefits for its members across the United States and Canada. The union plays a vital role in ensuring the safe and efficient operation of heavy equipment and building systems across various industries.

International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers

The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) is a prominent labor union representing workers in the electrical industry. Founded in 1891, it is one of the largest and most diverse unions in North America. IBEW members work across various sectors of the electrical field. In construction, electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical systems in buildings, from residential homes to large commercial and industrial facilities. They work with power distribution systems, lighting, and complex control systems. The union also represents workers in utilities, including those who maintain power generation facilities and electrical grids. Linemen, who install and repair power lines, are a crucial part of this workforce. IBEW's scope extends to manufacturing, where members produce electrical equipment and components. In telecommunications, they install and maintain communication systems, including telephone, cable, and fiber optic networks. The union covers other specialized areas such as railroad signal workers, broadcast technicians, and electrical workers in the automotive and shipbuilding industries. IBEW places a strong emphasis on apprenticeship and training programs, ensuring its members stay current with rapidly evolving technologies in the electrical field. The union advocates for fair wages, workplace safety, and comprehensive benefits for its diverse membership across the United States and Canada, playing a vital role in maintaining high standards in electrical work across various industries.

United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry

The United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry, commonly known as the United Association (UA), is a multi-craft union representing workers in the piping industry. Founded in 1889, it is one of the oldest building trades unions in North America. UA members work across various sectors, primarily in construction and maintenance. Plumbers install, repair, and maintain piping systems in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. This includes water supply, waste removal, and gas systems. Pipefitters specialize in installing and maintaining high-pressure piping systems, often in industrial settings, for materials like steam, chemicals, and fuel. The union also represents sprinkler fitters who install and maintain fire suppression systems. HVAC technicians within the UA work on heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. Welders, an integral part of the union, perform specialized welding on pipes and related structures. UA members work in diverse environments, from residential construction to power plants, refineries, and even nuclear facilities. They are involved in major infrastructure projects, including water treatment plants and gas distribution networks. The union places a strong emphasis on training and apprenticeship programs, ensuring its members are skilled in both traditional techniques and emerging technologies. This includes training in computer-aided design, new materials, and energy-efficient systems. The UA advocates for fair wages, workplace safety, and comprehensive benefits for its members across the United States and Canada. It plays a crucial role in maintaining high standards in the piping industry, ensuring the safety and efficiency of vital systems in buildings and infrastructure.

International Union of Elevator Constructors

The International Union of Elevator Constructors (IUEC) is a specialized trade union representing workers who install, maintain, and repair elevators, escalators, moving walkways, and other types of vertical transportation systems. Founded in 1901, it's a relatively small but highly skilled union within the building trades. IUEC members, often referred to as elevator mechanics or constructors, perform a wide range of tasks related to vertical transportation. They install new elevator systems in buildings, which involves assembling and aligning complex mechanical and electrical components. This work requires expertise in hydraulics, electronics, and computerized control systems. Maintenance and repair form a significant part of their work. Elevator constructors perform regular inspections, troubleshoot issues, and conduct repairs on existing systems to ensure they operate safely and efficiently. This can involve anything from minor adjustments to major overhauls of elevator machinery. The union also represents workers who modernize older elevator systems, updating them with newer technology to improve safety, energy efficiency, and performance. This often involves integrating advanced computerized controls and safety features into existing structures. IUEC members work in various settings, from residential buildings to skyscrapers, hospitals, shopping malls, and industrial facilities. Their work is critical for ensuring the safe vertical movement of people and goods in multi-story structures. The union places a strong emphasis on training and safety. Elevator construction is a potentially dangerous field, and the IUEC runs extensive apprenticeship programs to ensure its members are highly skilled and safety-conscious. These programs typically last several years and combine classroom instruction with on-the-job training. The IUEC advocates for fair wages, workplace safety, and comprehensive benefits for its members across the United States and Canada. Given the specialized nature of their work and the critical safety implications, the union plays a vital role in maintaining high standards in the elevator industry.