The Affiliated Construction Trades of Ohio, which is commonly referred to as ACT Ohio, functions as a nonprofit advocacy group that is dedicated to representing unionized construction workers throughout the state of Ohio by promoting fair labor practices, improving workforce training programs, and influencing public policy to ensure safe and equitable conditions in the building and construction industry.[1][2] Serving as a subsidiary of the Ohio State Building and Construction Trades Council, ACT Ohio concentrates on delivering research, legal assistance, and educational resources to its affiliated local unions while actively lobbying to maintain prevailing wage laws and support project labor agreements that prioritize skilled labor and community benefits in public construction projects.[3][4][5][6]
The Affiliated Construction Trades of Ohio was officially founded around 2010 as part of the Ohio State Building and Construction Trades Council to address the increasing need for coordinated advocacy and support services in Ohio's construction sector initially focusing on gathering and distributing information to help member unions navigate regulatory challenges and improve operational efficiencies.[7][8]
In April 2013 the organization selected Matt Szollosi a former Democratic state representative from the Toledo area with expertise in labor law as its first executive director to lead initiatives in expanding its influence on policy issues affecting construction workers including opposition to legislation that could weaken worker protections.[9][10]
During the 2010s and continuing into the 2020s ACT Ohio developed a more significant role in state politics by endorsing candidates from both major parties who favor pro-labor policies as well as partnering with government agencies to create programs aimed at recruiting diverse individuals into the construction trades through apprenticeship opportunities and outreach efforts.[11][12]
By 2024 the Affiliated Construction Trades Ohio Foundation the nonprofit component of the organization registered under section 501(c)(5) of the Internal Revenue Code reported annual revenues exceeding two million dollars demonstrating its growth in funding educational and advocacy activities to advance the interests of Ohio's building trades workforce.[13][14] The organization's early involvement in legal matters included supporting positions in Ohio Supreme Court cases related to ballot initiatives on fracking and community rights where it joined amicus briefs alongside business groups to argue against certain local ordinances that could impact construction and energy projects.[15][16] The group has continued to adapt its strategies to handle emerging challenges in the construction sector such as workforce shortages and the integration of new technologies by partnering with educational institutions to promote apprenticeship programs that prepare the next generation of skilled tradespeople for high-demand jobs in Ohio's growing infrastructure projects.[17][18] Over time ACT Ohio has expanded its role in policy support by participating in discussions about safety at oil refineries and advocating for enhanced training to ensure workers are prepared for hazardous jobs in the energy industry.[19][20] The organization has also increased its assistance with financial issues for workers by taking part in boards that review how to improve unemployment funds particularly for seasonal construction workers.[21][22] ACT Ohio has enhanced its influence in state politics by endorsing candidates from both major parties who support labor-friendly policies as evidenced in their contributions and endorsements to current officeholders.[23][24] The group has widened its activities by engaging in efforts to address workforce shortages and ensure high-quality training for emerging roles in construction such as those in high-tech manufacturing facilities.[25][26] ACT Ohio has undergone audits and compliance reviews to ensure proper financial management as a subsidiary of the Ohio State Building and Construction Trades Council while maintaining separate reporting as labor organizations.[27] The organization has collaborated with state education boards to develop training programs for school counselors to promote careers in construction trades as part of its efforts to build the workforce.[28] ACT Ohio has conducted surveys and studies on the use of project labor agreements in the state to demonstrate their impact on costs, timelines, and worker safety in public construction projects.[29] The group has provided comments on federal regulations such as updates to the Davis-Bacon Act to advocate for stronger labor standards in construction projects funded by the government.[30] ACT Ohio has been recognized in news coverage for its role in endorsing political candidates and influencing labor policies as a key player in Ohio's construction industry.[31] The organization has been part of efforts to oppose "right-to-work" legislation and other measures that weaken collective bargaining rights for workers in Ohio.[32] ACT Ohio has endorsed candidates in both parties to promote labor interests in Ohio politics.[33] The group has supported federal acts to speed up labor contracts drawing union support in the construction industry.[34] ACT Ohio has been involved in discussions on the Chips Act to bring manufacturing jobs to Ohio.[35] The organization has advocated for infrastructure investment to create good jobs in Ohio.[36] ACT Ohio has endorsed Ramaswamy as the sixth union endorsement for his gubernatorial campaign.[37] The group has backed Ramaswamy for governor in recent union endorsements.[38] ACT Ohio has supported public works issues on ballots in Ohio.[39] The organization has urged voters to support Issue 2 for local improvements.[40] ACT Ohio has endorsed DeWine for re-election in 2022.[41] The group has opposed cities stopping paying prevailing wage to construction workers in Ohio.[42] ACT Ohio has highlighted Democrats using union money in Ohio politics.[43] The organization has endorsed UAW for FitzGerald in 2014.[44] ACT Ohio has opposed group moving to Ohio to urge workers to stop paying union dues.[45] The group has supported GOP senator dropping hammer on companies shipping jobs overseas.[46] ACT Ohio has backed US faster labor contracts act drawing union support.[47] The organization has supported Ohio Issue 2 on the May 2025 ballot.[48]
Mission and activities
The core mission of the Affiliated Construction Trades of Ohio emphasizes promoting high-quality and safe construction practices by backing reliable contractors and skilled union workers while campaigning for fair competition in the industry to ensure the proper use of public funds on infrastructure projects across the state.[49][50] ACT Ohio carries out a variety of activities including detailed research on contractors oversight of compliance with prevailing wage and federal Davis-Bacon Act requirements submission of Freedom of Information Act requests and reviews of administrative laws to help its member unions maintain industry standards and address disputes in the construction field.[51][52] Additionally the organization creates educational content such as presentations articles press releases and graphics to inform stakeholders about key topics including workforce development regulatory adherence and the benefits of project labor agreements that focus on local hiring to promote economic growth in Ohio communities.[53][54] Through its foundation ACT Ohio offers marketing support policy research and public awareness initiatives to its affiliated unions highlighting the value of union-supported policies in sustaining a strong and inclusive construction sector in Ohio.[55][56] The group also participates in legislative committees by providing testimony on bills affecting the construction industry such as those related to oil refinery safety and prevailing wage exemptions to advocate for measures that protect worker rights and industry standards.[57][58] ACT Ohio engages in educational outreach by collaborating with state departments to inform school counselors about career opportunities in construction trades thereby encouraging increased participation from diverse and underrepresented populations in apprenticeship programs that lead to stable employment.[59][60] The organization supports major projects like semiconductor manufacturing facilities by advocating for greater involvement of diverse groups such as women in the construction workforce to meet the demands of large-scale investments in the state.[61][62] ACT Ohio monitors contractor compliance and assists in investigating cases of wage theft to ensure workers receive their due compensation and that violations are penalized.[63] The organization advocates for regulations that enhance safety at oil refineries by requiring advanced training for workers to reduce accidents in hazardous industry sectors.[64] ACT Ohio promotes project labor agreements to ensure projects are completed efficiently with fair labor practices as demonstrated in their surveys and analyses of construction outcomes in the state.[65][66] The group conducts research and provides information on the productivity and safety advantages of union worksites compared to non-union ones to support its advocacy for labor standards.[67] ACT Ohio engages in partnerships with energy companies to ensure local skilled workers are employed in large-scale projects like those in the shale industry to stimulate economic growth in regions.[68] The organization supports initiatives to increase the role of women in construction through apprenticeship programs and highlights the growth in female participation in building trades.[69]
Membership and affiliations
Based on legislative records and reports the Affiliated Construction Trades of Ohio includes affiliations with about 141 local unions representing over 96,000 members involved in various construction trades across Ohio facilitating collaborative efforts to advance labor standards and professional development opportunities.[70][71] The organization maintains a strong partnership with the Ohio State Building and Construction Trades Council as its main advocacy arm while coordinating with regional bodies such as the Columbus/Central Ohio Building and Construction Trades Council and the Cleveland Building and Construction Trades Council to align strategies on issues like apprenticeship training and political engagement.[72][73] ACT Ohio collaborates with state government entities and educational institutions to implement training programs such as workshops at apprenticeship centers intended to provide school counselors with information about career paths in the construction trades thereby encouraging greater participation from underrepresented groups in the industry.[74][75] The organization's affiliations extend to participation in state boards and committees including representation on the Unemployment Compensation Integrity Board where it contributes to discussions on policies affecting seasonal construction workers and the solvency of unemployment funds.[76][77]
Political involvement
The Affiliated Construction Trades of Ohio engages in bipartisan political advocacy by endorsing candidates who support policies that foster job creation, competitive wages, and comprehensive benefits for construction workers, with notable endorsements including RepublicanGovernorMike DeWine in his 2022 reelection campaign and Republican gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy in 2025 for the 2026 election.[78][79][80][81][82] The organization has actively opposed legislative proposals that threaten labor protections such as bills allowing municipalities to opt out of prevailing wage requirements on public projects arguing that these changes would undermine worker compensation and compromise project quality in Ohio's construction sector.[83][84] Furthermore ACT Ohio has supported ballot measures and formed coalitions with business organizations like the Ohio Chamber of Commerce to advance infrastructure funding without tax increases emphasizing the potential for such investments to generate employment and stimulate local economies through focused construction initiatives.[85][86] The group has contributed to broader policy debates by offering input on environmental regulations educational reforms and economic recovery strategies frequently aligning with efforts that enhance workforce development and safety in the construction field while adopting a nonpartisan approach to maximize its impact.[87][88] Through its participation in legislative testimonies and committee hearings ACT Ohio has consistently pushed for laws that safeguard workers' rights including opposition to bills that might restrict citizens' ability to sue polluters or modifications to higher education that could influence vocational training programs.[89][90] The organization's political activities also encompass supporting measures related to unemployment compensation and tax policies ensuring that construction workers benefit from stable economic conditions and equitable taxation systems in Ohio.[91][92] ACT Ohio has been involved in discussions on antitrust issues and healthcare policies providing perspectives on how such legislation affects the construction industry and its workers.[93][94]
Legal and policy engagements
The Affiliated Construction Trades of Ohio has participated in several legal proceedings by filing amicus briefs in Ohio Supreme Court cases concerning ballot initiatives on local fracking bans arguing alongside business interests that such measures could hinder economic development and construction activities in affected areas.[95][96] ACT Ohio has provided testimony to legislative committees on bills addressing environmental protections such as those limiting citizen lawsuits against air polluters emphasizing the need to balance regulatory enforcement with industry growth and job preservation in construction.[97][98] The organization has opposed legislation perceived as restricting higher education diversity programs arguing that such changes could affect vocational training and workforce diversity in the trades.[99][100] ACT Ohio has engaged in policy discussions on unemployment compensation reforms advocating for measures that protect seasonal construction workers from benefit cuts while addressing fund solvency issues.[101][102] The group has supported antitrust actions against healthcare companies highlighting how such practices impact worker benefits and costs in the construction sector.[103][104] ACT Ohio has also been involved in advocating for funding for apprenticeship programs amid ongoing workforce shortages in the construction industry emphasizing the need for sustained investments in training to meet the demands of major projects like semiconductor manufacturing facilities in the state.[105][106] The organization has provided testimony against bills that would block Ohio citizens from suing industrial air polluters in federal court stressing the importance of maintaining regulatory enforcement while supporting industry growth and job retention in construction.[107] ACT Ohio has opposed changes to legislation seen as restricting diversity programs in higher education arguing that such modifications could impact vocational training and diversity in the trades workforce.[108][109] The group has advocated for enhanced safety regulations at oil refineries by requiring higher training standards for workers to minimize risks in dangerous sectors of the energy industry.[110]
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