Union Membership in California’s Construction Industry Hits Record Low

News Summary

California’s construction industry is facing a significant decline in union membership, with only 129,800 unionized workers reported in 2024—a 21% drop from the previous year. This marks the lowest percentage of union workers in the state’s construction sector at just 12.5%. In contrast, non-union workers have surged to an all-time high of 907,200. The situation raises concerns about labor standards and affordable housing projects reliant on union labor, presenting a complex dilemma for the future of California’s construction landscape.

Union Membership in California’s Construction Industry Hits Record Low

In sunny California, a shakeup in the construction industry has surfaced, and it’s causing quite a stir! The number of unionized construction workers in the Golden State has plummeted to a mere 129,800 in 2024, marking the lowest tally since 2014. This dramatic decline has sparked concerns among labor advocates and union supporters alike. So, let’s take a closer look at the numbers to understand what’s happening.

Declining Union Membership

Reports reveal that union membership in the building trades has dropped by an astonishing 21% within just the past year. When compared to 2019, prior to the pandemic, the numbers tell an even more shocking story, with membership down a staggering 29%. To put it simply, only 12.5% of all construction workers in California are now unionized— the smallest percentage on record, plummeting from 17% in 2023 and 19% in 2019. This sharply contrasts with the average of 21% since 1983, when union membership made up a considerable 39% of all construction jobs.

Rise of Non-Union Workers

On the flip side, non-union construction workers in California are riding a wave of growth. The state has recorded a peak of 907,200 non-union construction workers in 2024, witnessing an 11% increase over the past year and a 13% surge since 2019. This shift has many scratching their heads, especially in a landscape where union workers are becoming an ever-smaller piece of the pie.

The Distribution of Unionized Workers

California’s metropolitan areas show interesting trends when it comes to union membership in construction. For instance, Los Angeles and Orange counties lead the charge with 38,300 members, representing 11% of all local construction jobs. Other areas are seeing varying levels of union presence:

• Inland Empire: 18,800 members (12% share)
• San Diego: 15,600 members (17% share)
• Stockton: 12,000 members (28% share)
• Fresno: 5,200 members (32% share)
• San Luis Obispo: 3,700 members (52% share)
• Vallejo: 2,700 members (51% share)
• Hanford: 1,700 members (57% share)
• Santa Maria: 1,400 members (5% share)

Interestingly, no union members were reported in areas like Bakersfield, Salinas, and Ventura County, which highlights the widening gap in union involvement across the state.

The Impact of Construction Projects

As construction bosses in California increasingly shy away from unionized labor, it’s becoming clear that this shift has significant implications. For affordable housing projects in Los Angeles County, for instance, requirements are in place for using union workers to qualify for public funding, which can ramp up costs by around 15%. Moving into the upcoming November ballot measure for homelessness solutions, there’s a stipulation that a whopping 80% of funding must be allocated for projects utilizing union labor.

Balancing Costs and Benefits

Of course, such mandates are seen as crucial for promoting fair wages, skilled labor, and job creation. However, they could also lead to fewer affordable housing units being built, making the question of whether the benefits outweigh the costs all the more pressing. The proposed measures aim to support housing developments in pro-housing areas while maintaining labor requirements, which might escalate overall costs.

In the end, the landscape of California’s construction industry is evolving, with the union vs. non-union debate continuing to play a vital role in shaping its future. Yet, union advocates firmly believe that the advantages of union labor—such as better quality and safety—are well worth any increased expenses incurred. As we move forward, it will be fascinating to see how these changes unfold and whether union membership can rebound.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

• OC Register: Unions’ Share of California Construction Jobs at Record Low
• New York Times: Opinion on California Housing, Unions, and Construction
• San Diego Union-Tribune: California Home Repair Costs Jump 40% in 5 Years
• Axios: San Diego Construction Labor Union Agreement
• Construction Dive: McCarthy Tops Out California Hospital Hoag Irvine