Building Trades in

The Community

North America’s Building Trades Unions are fast developing a reputation as a valuable and reliable partner in helping to rebuild lives and strengthen whole communities by creating opportunities and pathways for the next generation – especially women, communities of color and military veterans – through our apprenticeship readiness programs and registered apprenticeship training model.

But, every day across North America, NABTU’s member unions and its rank and file members also provide community aid and assistance wherever and whenever it is needed. Our members and our local union leaders are not only your friends and neighbors, but we are your Little League coaches, church volunteers, youth mentors, as well as many other important roles that make our communities strong and viable.

San Joaquin Building Trades Volunteer at Local Non-Profit

Over 80 San Joaquin Building Trades volunteers tackled multiple projects at Stockton’s Pixie Woods.

Aid From Harlem’s First Corinthian Baptist Church And District Council 9 Painters Union

First Corinthian Baptist Church and District Council 9 held their annual Hope for Harlem block party and community service event over the weekend.

Sisters Haven renovating Cleveland home to support pregnant women experiencing homelessness

“What Sisters Haven provides for these women is invaluable,” said Dave Wondolowski, executive secretary for the Cleveland Building and Constructions Trades Council. “Eventually, some of the people that are staying here can land jobs in the building trades and become self-sufficient and have good paying jobs and good benefits. Get them skilled up and get them working. It’s a win-win for everybody.”

Thousands of backpacks to be handed out at schools in Milwaukee, Waukesha Counties

They’re accustomed to working with power tools and heavy equipment, but on Tuesday, Aug. 1, members of the Milwaukee Building-Construction Trades Council spent their morning loading and delivering school backpacks. 

Illinois Valley Building Trades donates $29,000 to Lighted Way

“A ceremonial check for $29,000 was passed to Lighted Way on Friday. Money raised during the golf outing also will be used to support other charities.”

Electrical Connection completes electrical services for 2023 St. Jude Dream Home

“NECA contractor Grasser Electric and IBEW Local 1 have completed the electrical work at the 2023 St. Jude Dream Home in O’Fallon, Mo… The electrical work was donated by the Electrical Connection, a partnership of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 1 and the St. Louis Chapter of the National Electrical Contractors Association.”

Community litter cleanup hosted by Union Sheet metal workers

“The International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation (SMART) workers will host a community litter cleanup in Soulsville.”

Longview-Kelso Building Trades Donate Food in Local Giveaway

The Longview-Kelso Building and Trades Council, Cowlitz-Wahkiakum Central Labor Council and affiliated unions purchased $11,200 worth of hams from Cascade Select Market in Castle Rock to donate…

IBEW 1 Electrical Workers Minority Caucus ramps up annual coat drive

“This is the 18th year of our coat drive and our commitment only grows stronger as our members are out in the community and witness so many in our distressed neighborhoods needing basic necessities.”

Indiana Building Trades Unions Step Up to Renovate Homes at No Cost to Homeowners

This year fourteen homes were renovated, and over the course of the last 28 years, over 600 houses in total have been renovated.

Ironworkers Local 29 Goes Contactless with ‘Night on Santa Lane’

Iron Workers Local 29 turned its Northeast Portland union headquarters parking lot into a winter wonderland Dec. 19. “Night on Santa Lane” took the place of “Breakfast With Santa,” a party the union, credit union, and training center have put on for members and their kids and grandkids for 34 years.

IBEW Local 103 Donates 20,000 PPE Masks to Frontline Nurses

Amidst a dire, statewide shortage of critical medical supplies, the region’s largest electrical workers’ union, IBEW Local 103, has donated 20,000 medical-grade protective masks to the Massachusetts Nurses Association (MNA) for direct distribution to front-line caregivers at Brigham and Women’s Hospital.

Community Drive Helps Those on the Front Lines of the Fight Against COVID-19

Healthcare workers across the nation are working on the frontline of the COVID-19 pandemic with, at times, not enough supplies to protect them… “So, we thought that over here we could do our part and help give back to the community.”

Union Chips in to Give Community Center a Makeover

Some things are worth more than money — like taking time out of a hectic schedule to lend a hand to an organization that helps many others.

Boilermakers Local 128 Fundraises for Local Hospital

Canadian Boilermakers proved they are as generous as they are skilled.

Builders Guild of Western PA Builds Camp for Handicapped Children

“We do this to show that we are TOGETHER as one.”

IBEW 2nd Call Program Provides Transition from Prison to Building Trades

2nd Call offers the formerly incarcerated the opportunity to make the most of their second chance by using their skills towards building a career as an electrician.