Standing Up for Good Jobs and Strong Communities
The Baltimore-D.C. Metro Building Trades Council is on the frontlines with workers across the Mid-Atlantic, standing up for good jobs, safe workplaces and strong communities. We advocate for policies and legislation that protect workers’ rights, promote local hiring, combat wage theft and create high-road construction careers.
We are investing in our local buildings and infrastructure AND investing in the people who build them and live in these communities.
Local Hiring Strengthens Local Communities
Local hiring is a top priority of our council. By ensuring that local residents have ample opportunities to learn a trade and construct important and necessary facilities in their own communities, we are both investing in our local buildings and infrastructure and investing in the people who build them and live in these communities.
In addition, when area residents have good jobs on local projects, they also tend to invest earnings back into the local economy, leading to increased overall economic health, better schools, and improved public services.
Holding Employers Accountable for Wage Theft
Wage theft is the illegal practice of denying workers the wages and benefits they have rightfully earned. It’s a widespread problem that hurts workers, families and communities by driving down wages and creating unfair competition from low-road contractors.
Through strong contracts, legal advocacy, and worker organizing, we work to hold unscrupulous employers accountable and push for tougher enforcement of labor laws.
Prevailing wage laws help raise employment standards across the board, in the construction sector and beyond.
Prevailing Wage Laws Support Healthy Economies
We also advocate for prevailing wage laws. Such laws ensure that workers are compensated fairly based upon regional standards, and help prevent low-road contractors from driving down standards for all workers across a region (such contractors often engage in wage theft and violate other labor laws).
In this way, prevailing wage laws help raise employment standards across the board, in the construction sector and beyond. This is crucial in creating a healthy regional economy, where workers can support themselves and their families.
Project Labor Agreements Benefit Workers & Employers
Project Labor Agreements (PLAs) are another top-priority piece in our advocacy efforts. These agreements establish fair wages, benefits, and working conditions for all workers on a specific project. When contractors and unions agree to adhere to these standards before they begin a project, we ensure that all workers are treated equally and paid fairly. It also fosters a collaborative relationship between labor and management, leading to higher-quality work, safer job sites and on-time and on-budget projects
Investing in Our Communties
Our affiliate unions also actively engage in community outreach and partnership building. Strong communities are built upon a solid foundation of good jobs, and collaboration with local organizations and educational institutions is also key. Through these alliances, we advocate for policies that support comprehensive workforce development, ensuring that all individuals have access to training and resources that prepare them for success.
By working together and investing in our communities, we are creating a brighter, more equitable future for workers across the Mid-Atlantic.
