| Abbreviation | CBCTC |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1913 |
| Type | Trade union federation |
| Headquarters | Cleveland, Ohio, U.S. |
| Location | |
Region served | Greater Cleveland area, including Cuyahoga, Lake, Geauga, and Ashtabula counties |
| Members | Approximately 14,000 |
Executive Secretary and Business Manager | David Wondolowski |
| Affiliations | AFL-CIO, Ohio State Building and Construction Trades Council |
The Cleveland Building and Construction Trades Council (CBCTC) operates as a federation of labor unions representing workers in the construction sector across the Greater Cleveland region. [1] Formed in 1913, the council functions as an umbrella entity for around 29 affiliated local unions, advocating for unionized labor in various construction endeavors. [2] The organization emphasizes workforce training, diversity programs, and community involvement to uphold standards in the building trades. [3]
The Cleveland Building and Construction Trades Council emerged in 1913 to consolidate local construction unions and facilitate unified labor representation. [4] Throughout its existence, the council has contributed to significant infrastructure projects in the area, prioritizing skilled union participation. [5] During the mid-20th century, it addressed issues of diversity and inclusion within the trades by partnering with employers and community entities. [6] By the 1970s, the council took ownership of a labor-focused newspaper to communicate union-related developments. Leadership changes have featured individuals such as Terry Joyce, who held the presidency and influenced local labor dynamics. [4] The council has also engaged in legal proceedings, including state court cases concerning public contracting practices. [7]
Affiliated with the Ohio State Building and Construction Trades Council and the AFL-CIO at the national level, the CBCTC encompasses about 14,000 members from various trades like laborers, electricians, and plumbers. [1] Dave Wondolowski has held the position of executive secretary and business manager, managing daily operations and public interactions. [8] The governance includes roles such as president, vice president, and treasurer, with delegates from affiliated unions contributing to governance. [9] The council handles collective bargaining agreements that address wages, dispute resolution, and conditions for public employees. [10] Past leaders include Loree Kenneth Soggs, who served as executive secretary during key negotiations. [7]
The CBCTC participates in training initiatives, such as pre-apprenticeship collaborations with educational bodies to ready individuals for trade careers. [6] It advances diversity through recruitment and outreach to underrepresented groups in construction. [11] The council secures project labor agreements (PLAs) for major developments to guarantee union participation and labor norms. [7] These PLAs have covered undertakings like arena upgrades and institutional builds, focusing on avoiding disruptions and promoting local employment. [12] Furthermore, the organization supports community benefits policies, pushing for fair economic growth and job access. [13] It endorses political candidates aligned with labor priorities and channels pension investments into local developments for job generation. [14] The council also organizes fundraising events, such as annual softball tournaments, to aid local nonprofits. [15]
Involved in prominent regional initiatives, the CBCTC has supported renovations at venues like Quicken Loans Arena, where union workers played key roles in enhancements. [12] It has partnered on school district modernization, integrating workforce agreements for community involvement. [16] Joint efforts with groups like the Construction Employers Association have established nonprofits for recruitment and skill-building. [17] The council backs infrastructure proposals, including stadium developments, highlighting economic advantages and employment opportunities. [3] Collaborations with federal agencies like OSHA underscore its dedication to worker safety. [18]