BLS Reports Slight Decline in Construction Industry Union Representation in 2022

January 20, 2023

Union representation rates in the construction industry fell slightly in 2022, decreasing to 12.4%, with 1,076,000 of the 8,671,000 workers “represented” by unions, down from 13.6% in 2021 (1,112, 000 of the 8,157,000 employed).  Among those 1,076,000 represented by unions, 1,019,000 were classified as union members, leaving some 57,000 (roughly 5%) of the remainder classified as represented by unions (covered by a collective bargaining agreement (CBA) but not reported as union members.

In 2021, 1,024,000 of the 1,112,000 represented by unions were classified as members, leaving some 88,000 (some 8%) 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 – 2022, USDL-23-0071, January 19, 2023).

According to the BLS report, median weekly earnings among all full-time wage and salary workers in the construction industry came to $1,007 in 2022, up from $966 the year before. In 2022, union members were credited with $1,319 per week, as compared with $1,306 for those non-members covered by a labor contract, and $976 per week for non-union workers.  In 2021, the amounts were: $966 for all workers; $1,344 for union members; $1,322 for non-members covered by a CBA; and $922 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 United Association's (UA) International Training Fund (ITF) is offering $5,600 grants for 35 individuals to attend the 2025 Safety & Health Conference (January 13 - 16, 2025 in Fort Lauderdale, FL). Grants are limited to one attendee per local union education fund, and eligibility requirements must be met.…
MCAA is partnering with Dodge Construction Network to conduct critical research on the state of technology across the construction industry, and your participation is vital to its success. This survey should take approximately 15 minutes to complete. Your answers are strictly confidential and will not be associated with your name or the name of your company in any way.…
The future of MCAA is fundamentally linked to the quality of the individuals who serve on its Board of Directors. MCAA members who would like to be considered for one of five vacancies are encouraged to learn more and complete the application. Applications should be returned no later than January 13, 2025. Candidates and their spokespersons will be scheduled for interviews at the 2025 MCAA Annual Convention. Those who are selected will begin their terms in March 2025.…
Outside advisors can help a company gauge management performance, answer operations questions, assist with planning for the future, arbitrate internal differences, and keep management alert to relevant changes in the external world. MCAA’s Corporate Structure: Using Outside Advisors/Directors offers tips for finding and involving these outside advisors. It’s just one of MCAA’s educational resources that are free to MCAA members as a benefit of membership.…
Load More...