A “Quick” Guide to the UBC
Whether you are brand new to the union or a seasoned journey-level carpenter, the UBC structure can seem vast. Learn more about how our long-standing infrastructure keeps us moving forward, protecting our craft, training our future, and organizing to grow our union.
UBC International
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
GENERAL PRESIDENT
Douglas McCarron
GENERAL VP
Frank Spencer
SECOND VP
David Tharp
GENERAL SECRETARY-TREASURER
Thomas Flynn
5 DISTRICT VPs
DUTIES
Set UBC objectives
Ensure goals are met through the Regional Councils and Training Centers
Organize on large scale campaigns, jurisdictional issues, political efforts, and combating tax fraud
ELECTION PROCESS
Elected every five years
By Local delegates
At the General Convention
Learn more about UBC Leadership structure.
Western District
One of five districts in the UBC. The Western District includes four Regional Councils: Pacific NW Regional Council, Northern California Regional Council, Hawaii Regional Council, and the Southwest Regional Council. These four Councils cover 14 states in the west.
LEADERSHIP
DISTRICT VP
Randy Thornhill
DUTIES
Lead UBC objectives in Regional Councils
Employ Representatives and Organizers focused on large scale campaigns, jurisdictional issues, and upholding the Constitution and Laws at the local level
ELECTION PROCESS
Elected every five years
By Local delegates
At the General Convention
Regional Councils
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Five Local Union Officers
A member representative from each Local
EST
(Principal officer), oversees Council day-to-day operations
COUNCIL DUTIES
Contract enforcement
Work dispatch
Member representation
Organizing
Member engagement
Bargaining
ELECTION PROCESS
Executive Committee
Elected every four years
By Local delegates
Learn more about leadership in our Regional Council.
Have you met a Council representative?
If not, give us a call, attend an upcoming Local Union meeting, or chat with a representative next time they are on your job site.
Local Unions
LEADERSHIP
Executive Committee
Typically a board of 10 officers
DUTIES
The root of our democratic organization
Every member can run for office and vote for officers
These positions include delegates to the Regional Council and the UBC General Convention
Delegates carry directives forward through motions at the Council delegate meetings
Members at the Local help shape direction at all levels of our Union
Local Unions also conduct business as it pertains to their area or craft
ELECTION PROCESS
Elected every two years
By all members of the Local Union
Learn who your Local delegates are.
Training
The Carpenters International Training Center (CITC) is where apprenticeship and training staff learn the newest techniques and technology relating to our craft. The UBC invests hundreds of millions of dollars into skills training. Located in Vegas, our state-of-the-art campus provides food and lodging for members while they learn the latest construction technologies, and sharpen their leadership skills.
We also have several training facilities throughout the Pacific Northwest:
LEADERSHIP
EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS
Mike Hawes, PNCI
Bob Susee, NWCI
Frank Mucci, AK
Davin Quist, MT
TRAINING TRUSTS
Oversee training programs and are made up of Union Carpenters and Unionized employers
DUTIES
Run state-certified apprenticeship programs that train thousands of future journey-level carpenters each year
Offer skill advancement classes for members
ELECTION PROCESS
Chosen by the training board of trustees
EST: appoints the labor side
Contractor Associations: appoint the employer side
TRUST FUNDS
Trust Funds are the health and welfare benefits, retirement plan, vacation funds, and sometimes a 401(k) plan. Benefits vary depending on your area.
LEADERSHIP
Board of Trustees
DUTIES
Protect the funds
Provide the best coverage and benefits for UBC members
Ensure health of the trusts
Decide on investments
Make improvements to coverage
Act as fiduciaries to the plans
ELECTION PROCESS
EST Appoints: Labor
Contractor Associations Appoint: Employers
Board then chooses a team of outside trust professionals and investment managers to advise on day-to-day management
If you have questions about your coverage or need to update your dependents or address, call your trust administrator.