About Us

The Michigan Building and Construction Trades Council supports the interests of nearly 100,000 construction workers in the State of Michigan. We work in several important areas:

MEMBER RECRUITMENT

Membership strength is the best way of meeting union goals for acceptable wages and benefits, job security and dignity, workplace safety and maintaining a strong political voice. That’s why the Council assists its affiliate unions in efforts to organize unrepresented workers. We conduct seminars to keep union organizers abreast of the latest methods and techniques for recruitment.

JOBSITE SAFETY

Work-related injuries and illnesses costs the nation billions of dollars in salary and other compensation every year, not to mention the impact on the workers and their loved ones. That’ s why the MBCTC spearheads cooperative labor-management efforts to ensure the safety and health of all construction workers. We implement safety and health training programs, develop and distribute safe-work information and remain politically active in the effort to make or retain laws and regulations that increase workplace security.

TRAINING AND APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMS

Thousands of apprentices learn their craft and countless journey-level workers upgrade their skills and undergo specialized training in the newest technologies through programs sponsored by MBCTC affiliate members. Labor and management in the organized construction industry in Michigan have invested millions of dollars in state-of-the-art facilities and educational curricula and materials.

POLITICAL ADVOCACY

The Council pursues legislative action and awareness on matters that affect our members. This can include economic development and project funding; job training; retirement planning; and such day-to-day concerns as workplace health and safety, workers’ rights and the payment of prevailing wages.

MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS

MBCTC utilizes a range of marketing and communications materials to keep union members and the general public informed. These include a bimonthly newspaper, The Building Tradesman, and various newsletters, special publications and videos.

COMMUNITY OUTREACH AND FUNDRAISING

MBCTC and its affiliated building trades groups and members have raised more than $200,000 for diabetes research. Other causes that benefit from the generosity of Michigan’s organized construction industry include Habitat for Humanity, Heat’s On, Christmas in April and the Children’s Miracle Network. We also construct camps for Scouts and the physically and mentally challenged.