NABTU Reports Record Union Growth with Nearly 50,000 New Members in 2024

The Facts -

  • NABTU saw a membership increase of 49,554 in 2024 despite challenges.
  • Construction union membership rate outpaces the overall labor market.
  • Record 314,958 apprenticeships in 2024 strengthen the construction workforce.


WASHINGTON, DC – January 29, 2025 – North America’s Building Trades Unions (NABTU) have reported significant growth in membership, underscoring a resilience within the construction sector despite economic challenges.

According to NABTU President Sean McGarvey, the union has seen a net membership increase of 49,554 individuals in 2024. This achievement follows a record-breaking year in 2023, marking the most substantial two-year growth since the 1950s for building trades unions.

Union Growth Outpaces Broader Labor Market

Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) indicates that union membership rates specific to the construction industry are surpassing those of the broader labor market. However, McGarvey emphasizes that BLS figures, derived from limited sample surveys, do not adequately reflect the full scope of unionized construction work.

NABTU's reported growth is based on actual headcounts, with nearly 50,000 new members in 2024 being officially documented and reported to the U.S. Department of Labor by each affiliated union. This growth, sustained since 2012, highlights a steady increase in market share for unionized construction.

Impact on Workforce and Economy

The rise in union membership is credited with bolstering the livelihoods of millions of working families and reinforcing the middle class in America. In addition to membership growth, 2024 saw a record 314,958 apprentices participating in NABTU's registered apprenticeship programs nationwide.

This investment in workforce development, fostered by collective bargaining with contractors, ensures an ongoing supply of highly skilled workers to meet industry needs. McGarvey expresses confidence that the strong construction economy will sustain this momentum, offering more opportunities for workers and cultivating a resilient workforce for the future.

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