Laborers Local 66 is committed to helping the non-union Laborers achieve the American Dream. Every Tradesman who is a Laborer on construction sites should be treated fairly, paid a real living wage and work

 in an environment where your job becomes a rewarding career not just a daily chore. The General Building Laborers Union is joining together, to seize control of our portion in the construction industry by embracing the policy of organizing the Non Union Worker.

Currently, the majority of the unorganized Laborers are paid slightly more than the minimum wage rate. They work long hours everyday and have little opportunity to receive the education or training necessary to work safely and improve their skills. It becomes virtually impossible for these workers to save for the future or provide for their families when they don’t have any health benefits. Whatever the non union workers issues may be, the way Open Shops treat their workers can be summed up by with one word: Disrespect.

The non union contractor typically builds their wealth off the backs of exploited workers. Non Union Workers are routinely treated merely as commodities. The consequence of this abuse is that many within the construction industry do not respect those who are employed by these contractors and view the workers as being stupid yet they continue to hire them simply because they work cheaply. Like clothing, shoes and cans of soda, these workers are regarded by some as disposable and can be replaced at anytime. Local 66 has a completely different view on this situation. We respect our fellow union brothers, encourage dignity and care for one another.

The non union contractor in our industry will certainly not solve any of these workers problems for them. The non union contractor will also be resistant to change, even though this change will create an industry standard and help stabilize the industry. Sub standard wages and low skills should not be in the plan for New York’s future. The communities and city government would both receive generous tax revenue that benefits our local economy and provide for a better quality of life for their residents if these contractors would abide by the established wage rates.

All non-union Laborers must be aware that becoming organized is not easy, in fact it will be extremely difficult. But when exploited workers join together and remain focused, everyone in the industry will benefit. Local 66 struggled to get recognition in the early part of the twentieth century and we continue to fight hard for fair wages and conditions. Signatory employers to the Collective Bargaining Agreement understand that the most skilled and talented Laborer come from Local 66.

The workers do not need the employer, attorneys or the government to tell them when they want to become a Union Worker. The Union begins when they say it does. Local 66 is poised to come together and offer them a way to see the path to a better life.

Take a few minutes to fill out the information below. A Local 66 Organizer will contact you. All inquiries are personal and confidential.