Cleveland Building and Construction Trades Council

  1. Home
  2. Wiki

Cleveland Building and Construction Trades Council
AbbreviationCBCTC
Founded1913
TypeTrade union federation
HeadquartersCleveland, Ohio, U.S.
Location
Region served
Greater Cleveland area, including Cuyahoga, Lake, Geauga, and Ashtabula counties
MembersApproximately 14,000
Executive Secretary and Business Manager
David Wondolowski
AffiliationsAFL-CIO, Ohio State Building and Construction Trades Council

The Cleveland Building and Construction Trades Council (CBCTC) operates as a federation of labor unions representing workers in the construction sector across the Greater Cleveland region.[1] Formed in 1913, the council functions as an umbrella entity for around 29 affiliated local unions, advocating for unionized labor in various construction endeavors.[2] The organization emphasizes workforce training, diversity programs, and community involvement to uphold standards in the building trades.[3]

History

[edit]

The Cleveland Building and Construction Trades Council emerged in 1913 to consolidate local construction unions and facilitate unified labor representation.[4] Throughout its existence, the council has contributed to significant infrastructure projects in the area, prioritizing skilled union participation.[5] During the mid-20th century, it addressed issues of diversity and inclusion within the trades by partnering with employers and community entities.[6] By the 1970s, the council took ownership of a labor-focused newspaper to communicate union-related developments. Leadership changes have featured individuals such as Terry Joyce, who held the presidency and influenced local labor dynamics.[4] The council has also engaged in legal proceedings, including state court cases concerning public contracting practices.[7]

Structure and leadership

[edit]

Affiliated with the Ohio State Building and Construction Trades Council and the AFL-CIO at the national level, the CBCTC encompasses about 14,000 members from various trades like laborers, electricians, and plumbers.[1] Dave Wondolowski has held the position of executive secretary and business manager, managing daily operations and public interactions.[8] The governance includes roles such as president, vice president, and treasurer, with delegates from affiliated unions contributing to governance.[9] The council handles collective bargaining agreements that address wages, dispute resolution, and conditions for public employees.[10] Past leaders include Loree Kenneth Soggs, who served as executive secretary during key negotiations.[7]

Activities and initiatives

[edit]

The CBCTC participates in training initiatives, such as pre-apprenticeship collaborations with educational bodies to ready individuals for trade careers.[6] It advances diversity through recruitment and outreach to underrepresented groups in construction.[11] The council secures project labor agreements (PLAs) for major developments to guarantee union participation and labor norms.[7] These PLAs have covered undertakings like arena upgrades and institutional builds, focusing on avoiding disruptions and promoting local employment.[12] Furthermore, the organization supports community benefits policies, pushing for fair economic growth and job access.[13] It endorses political candidates aligned with labor priorities and channels pension investments into local developments for job generation.[14] The council also organizes fundraising events, such as annual softball tournaments, to aid local nonprofits.[15]

Notable projects and collaborations

[edit]

Involved in prominent regional initiatives, the CBCTC has supported renovations at venues like Quicken Loans Arena, where union workers played key roles in enhancements.[12] It has partnered on school district modernization, integrating workforce agreements for community involvement.[16] Joint efforts with groups like the Construction Employers Association have established nonprofits for recruitment and skill-building.[17] The council backs infrastructure proposals, including stadium developments, highlighting economic advantages and employment opportunities.[3] Collaborations with federal agencies like OSHA underscore its dedication to worker safety.[18]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b Walsh, Molly. "Port of Cleveland names labor leader David Wondolowski as new chair". Cleveland.com. Advance Local. Retrieved September 3, 2025.
  2. ^ Columnist, Guest. "The union case against a $15 minimum wage only in Cleveland: David J. Wondolowski (Opinion)". Cleveland.com. Advance Local. Retrieved September 3, 2025.
  3. ^ a b Davis, Shakorie (June 3, 2024). "Personal View: Cleveland is building a brighter future for trades workers". Crain’s Cleveland Business. Crain Communications. Retrieved September 3, 2025.
  4. ^ a b Daniel Brennan and David Patrick Ryan. "Joyce, Terry". Encyclopedia of Cleveland History. Case Western Reserve University. Retrieved September 3, 2025.
  5. ^ "Laborers' International Union of North America Local 310". Encyclopedia of Cleveland History. Case Western Reserve University. Retrieved September 3, 2025.
  6. ^ a b Higgs, Robert. "Cleveland leaders, building trades say they'll fight for goals of Fannie Lewis Law and reverse Supreme Court's impact". Cleveland.com. Advance Local. Retrieved September 3, 2025.
  7. ^ a b c "Ohio State Bldg. & Constr. Trades Council v. Cuyahoga County Board of Commissioners, 98 Ohio St. 3d 214 (2002)" (PDF). Supreme Court of Ohio. Retrieved September 3, 2025.
  8. ^ Durbin, Kaitlin (January 19, 2022). "After defeats, could labor leader Dave Wondolowski's political influence be eroding?". Cleveland.com. Advance Local. Retrieved September 3, 2025.
  9. ^ "2022–2025 Cleveland Building and Construction Trades Council collective bargaining agreement" (PDF). Cleveland.gov. City of Cleveland. April 1, 2022. Retrieved September 3, 2025.
  10. ^ "22-MED-01-0057: Contract between City of Cleveland and Cleveland Building and Construction Trades Council, April 1, 2022 – March 31, 2025" (PDF). State Employment Relations Board. State of Ohio. April 1, 2022. Retrieved September 3, 2025.
  11. ^ Cannon, Doreen (April 2023). "Opportunities for family-sustaining jobs in the trades are coming – we should target them for women: Doreen Cannon". Cleveland.com. Advance Local. Retrieved September 3, 2025.
  12. ^ a b Bamforth, Emily (February 2017). "Construction unions cheer Quicken Loans Arena renovation plan". Cleveland.com. Advance Local. Retrieved September 3, 2025.
  13. ^ Wondolowski, Dave (May 2023). "Greater Cleveland Partnership's double talk on community benefits: Dave Wondolowski". Cleveland.com. Advance Local. Retrieved September 3, 2025.
  14. ^ Tobias, Andrew (March 2024). "Cuyahoga County grand jury foreperson lobbied publicly for House Bill 6. Why was he allowed to hear case against Larry Householder?". Cleveland.com. Advance Local. Retrieved September 3, 2025.
  15. ^ Benson, John (October 2024). "Labor Day softball tournament raises funds for Parma nonprofits". Cleveland.com. Advance Local. Retrieved September 3, 2025.
  16. ^ "CMSD Media Center". Cleveland Metropolitan School District. Cleveland Metropolitan School District. Retrieved September 3, 2025.
  17. ^ "Dave Wondolowski – Power 150 2024". Crain’s Cleveland Business. Crain Communications. 2024. Retrieved September 3, 2025.
  18. ^ "Cuyahoga County Council Meeting Agenda Attachments" (PDF). Cuyahoga County Council. Cuyahoga County. June 8, 2021. Retrieved September 3, 2025.