BLS Reports Slight Uptick in Construction Industry Union Representation in 2021

January 27, 2022

Union representation rates in the construction industry inched up slightly in 2021, increasing to 13.6%, with 1,112, 000 of the 8,157,000 workers “represented” by unions, up from 13.4% in 2020 (993,000 of 1,050,000 employed).  Among those 1,112,000 represented  by unions, 1,024,000 were classified as union members, leaving some 88,000 (roughly 8%) of the remainder classified as represented by unions (covered by a collective bargaining agreement (CBA)) but not reported as union members. 

In 2020, 993,000 of the 1,050,000 represented by unions were classified as members, leaving some 57,000 (some 5%) classified as represented or covered by a CBA, but not counted as union members – as judged by responses to the BLS Current Population Survey questions that are the basis of the annual report. (Union Members – 2021, USDL-22-0079, January 20, 2022).

According to the BLS report, median  weekly earnings among all full-time wage and salary workers in the construction industry came to $966 in 2021, up  marginally from $961 the year before. In 2021, union members were credited with $1,344 per week, as compared with $1,322 for those non-members covered by a labor contract, and $922 per week for non-union workers.  In  2020, the amounts were: $961 for all workers; $1,254 for union members; $1,234 for non-members covered by a CBA; and $920 for non-union workers.

MCAA Note – The differential between union membership and union representation rates may reflect the impact and change in right-to-work laws in any state.  BLS data on union membership rates over the years is available on a state-by-state basis on the BLS website. The state data reflects total union membership rates and is not broken down by public or private sectors or by industry.

Related Articles
The Women in the Mechanical Industry (WiMI) Conference is your platform for building lasting connections and fostering a supportive community. Networking opportunities abound, allowing attendees to connect with like-minded professionals, share experiences, and collaborate on strategies for success.…
Join MSCA Board member Drew Harrison and a panel of industry experts to learn how heat pumps can help grow your business and improve profits. MSCA and the UA have been working with Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (in support of the US Department of Energy) to boost heat pump and heat pump water heater training and recruitment as massive federal incentives become available.…
The Manufacturer/Supplier Training area of MCAA’s website connects our contractor members with training opportunities available from the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.…
MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show connects our contractor members with the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.…
Load More...