The Construction Labor Research Council (CLRC) has released its latest edition of the Union Labor Costs in Construction. The report covers trends in collectively bargained compensation in the industry, providing data analyses by region, time, and trade. It can be a valuable resource when preparing for collective bargaining negotiations, particularly when used in conjunction with CLRC’s latest Settlements Report.
CLRC reports that the plurality of total package (wages and fringe benefits) rates paid by union contractors in 2020 fell in the $50.01-$60.00 range. Nearly 73 percent fell in the in the $40.01- $70.00 range.
Regionally, the largest average total package in 2020 – $69.45 – was paid in the Southwest Pacific region (AZ, CA, HI, NV), and the smallest – $29.42 – was paid in the South Central region (AR, LA, NM, OK, TX). Looking by craft, the largest average package – $70.62 – was paid to workers represented by the Boilermakers, and the smallest – $45.95 – to workers represented by the Roofers. CLRC notes, however, that variation in total package average rates from region to region and craft to craft can be influenced by the composition of the data sample.
Much more information is provided in the full report, which AGC members can access in AGC’s Labor & HR Topical Resources library under the main category “Collective Bargaining” and subcategory “Collective Bargaining Agreements Data.” Be sure to log in as an AGC member to gain full access.
AGC is a founding member of CLRC and supports its mission. Collective bargaining chapters are reminded to please send new contract data directly to CLRC promptly upon settlement of collective bargaining negotiations.