New Alliance for Alabama Construction Workers
The Alabama State Building and Construction Trade Council (ASBCTC) and the Skilled Trade and Transport Association (ASTTU) recently formed a strategic alliance aimed at bolstering support for construction industry members in Alabama.
Announced on June 18, this partnership combines two significant labor groups dedicated to union solidarity, advocacy, and the empowerment of workers. The initiative is intended to enhance protections, benefits, and long-term support for union members throughout the state.
“This collaboration reflects our shared belief that when unions work together, we will become stronger,” said Carl Galdine, who oversees membership and benefits at ASTTU. “ASTTU is here to support unions and safeguard their members. The alliance opens new avenues by assisting Alabama’s skilled workers in accessing crucial advocacy and national support tailored to their needs.”
As part of this partnership, ASTTU is introducing optional benefits aimed at supplementing and safeguarding union wages. These perks include disability income protection, added medical expense coverage, and guaranteed life insurance options. Importantly, these benefits do not impose any financial or administrative burden on ASBCTC-related associations.
ASTTU and ASBCTC will collaborate on workforce development initiatives and efforts to uphold labor standards while amplifying union voices. ASTTU’s national partnerships in safety, labor education, and advocacy will further back these objectives, linking Alabama unions to a wider network of resources.
The organizations assert that their alliances are crucial in states like Alabama, where advancing union growth and engagement poses challenges. Through their collective efforts, they aim to boost union participation and expand the presence of organized labor throughout the state.
Bill Blackman, president of the Alabama Construction and Construction Trade Council, stated, “Our council is dedicated to creating more job opportunities, securing living wages, and looking out for the interests of our members and all construction workers. This alliance with ASTTU will enhance our mission by broadening access to valuable benefits and improving the economic security of Alabama’s skilled trade workforce.”
This collaboration is part of a wider national movement aimed at fostering union cooperation across various sectors. In the face of ongoing challenges, ASTTU remains committed to forging partnerships that empower union families and bolster the labor movement.
