Builders Guild

1.		What is the Builders Guild?

2.		Who is supporting the initiative?

3.		Does the Builders Guild include all unions?

4.		How is the venture structured?

5.		Why does the Builders Guild highlight apprenticeship training?

6.		Why does the Builders Guild maintain that union construction benefits customers and the community?

What is the Builders Guild?

The Builders Guild is a major labor/management initiative launched by the building and construction trade unions of Western Pennsylvania to:

	•		Forge new working relationships between labor and management

	•		Create new jobs

	•		Attract new business to the region

	•		Provide employment opportunities for our young people and support the community

	•		Today, the Builders Guild is recognized as a major voice for the construction industry throughout a 33-county region.

Who is supporting the initiative?

	•		Pittsburgh Building Trades Council and its affiliates

	•		Rank and file members of 32 Building Trades Unions

	•		17 affiliated Contractor Associations and Employer Groups within the 33 counties of W PA.

Does the Builders Guild include all unions?

No. Just the building trades unions

How is the venture structured?

The Builders Guild is headed by an Executive Committee, along with a 35+ person Advisory Council and various Task Forces. Individual contributions by members are valued as well. This initiative encourages:

	•		Positive change, based on thorough and extensive research

	•		More cooperative and customer-friendly partnerships

	•		Awareness of the a cost/value benefit to union construction

Why does the Builders Guild highlight apprenticeship training?

Apprenticeship and ongoing journeyman advancement training is key to all of the building trades unions.

	•		Building Trades Apprenticeship training is exceptional and state-of-the-art

	•		Fully funded by members so its tuition free - training follows federal and state guidelines but is not government funded

	•		Apprenticeship programs develop highly skilled craftsmen and women with 4-5 years of intensive classroom and on-the-job training.

	•		Training never ends! - upgrade training is part of the package and college credits are available to pursue within certain programs

	•		Skills keep pace with technological advancements

	•		Union workers are career construction workers. Quality businesses offer benefits to skilled professionals and our craftsmen and women are provided with health insurance and retirement benefits.

Why does the Builders Guild maintain that union construction benefits customers and the community?

	•		Employers receive the most highly trained craftsmen and women available and that means that projects are completed safely, on time and on budget.

	•		End of job costs for union construction are often less because complex projects are completed with an eye to design integrity, quality, safety and accountability.

	•		Building Trades Unions and affiliated Contractor Associations annually donate over $1.2 million in materials, time and manpower to assist community groups, schools, churches, senior and handicapped citizens and low-income homeowners.

The Building and Construction Trade Unions and Contractor Associations, through the assistance of the Builders Guild of Western Pennsylvania are seriously committed to spiriting the region's economic, professional and community growth through encouraging cooperation, highlighting quality and value, and continuing education and leadership.