➤ How can I be part of the solution to make our union stronger?

Ask union leadership for help to understand important issues around contract time and pension/healthcare issues. Social media can be useful for discussion but is not always a reliable information source if not verified. Participate in Carpenters in Action and Sisters in the Brotherhood committees Become… Read More

➤ I don’t believe that we can get priced out of the market. Aren’t you always saying that we are the best carpenters out there?

We are the best. We excel in safety, skill, and dedication to training. But time and time again contractors are getting severely undercut by non-union competition and that is a reality that we must contend with in bargaining so that we don’t erase jobs. The… Read More

➤ I’m tired of hearing about the contractors’ problems. The union should work for the members.

The union works hard for the members, to get the best contract that the market can hold. Part of the job in negotiations is to push hard for the best increases for carpenters but also understand the market. If we get high increases that satisfy… Read More

➤ Why can’t our contractors compete? They are making tons of money right now. 

Union contractors face a lot of pressure in bidding for jobs. The bidding process is competitive, and developers and clients are often looking for the cheapest bid, not necessarily the best quality product.   Because of the competitive bidding process, the biggest threat union contractors… Read More

➤ How will the W/CWA AGC Agreement affect different crafts or contracts?

Wall and Ceiling (EIS) The benefits negotiated in the AGC master agreement are binding to the Wall and Ceiling Agreement. The Wall and Ceiling Agreement is up for bargaining next year. Fringe benefits (pension and healthcare) will be taken off the raises that the Wall… Read More

➤ How did you come up with the 5% / 4% / 3.25%? (12.25%) TA from May 17th? Why didn’t we bargain for more?

This is the highest percentage increase we’ve negotiated on record. Your bargaining team worked to get the best increase possible for that TA. With zone pay factored in, the downtown Seattle total package increase is 15.18% over the life of the contract. Several trades have… Read More

➤ Can I trust the union to do right by me?

The union is bound by duty, integrity, and federal law to represent our members. The bargaining committee is made up of 14 rank and file members (recommended by their locals) and regional council representatives that participated in the process. The union’s interest is your interest;… Read More