ConDig (20-Feb-25) Union membership in the U.S. construction industry increased modestly in 2025, but nearly nine out of 10 workers remain nonunion, according to a new analysis of federal labor data.
An analysis by the Associated Builders and Contractors of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ 2025 Union Members Summary found that 11.1% of construction workers belonged to a union in 2025, up from 10.3% in 2024. That equates to approximately 995,000 union members out of a total construction workforce of 9 million.
The remaining 88.9% — roughly 8 million workers — were employed in nonunion or “merit shop” construction roles, according to the analysis. The overall construction workforce grew to 9 million workers in 2025.
ABC President and CEO Michael Bellaman said merit shop construction employment reached an all-time high last year, reflecting what he described as workers’ preference for advancement based on individual performance and skill development.
“This demonstrates that the overwhelming majority of construction workers prefer to work in an environment where they can pursue their individual professional goals by acquiring new skills through industry-driven multiskilling and advance their careers based on merit,” Bellaman said in a statement.
Bellaman also urged policy changes under President Donald Trump, calling for the elimination of project labor agreement (PLA) requirements put in place during the administration of former President Joe Biden. He argued that removing PLA mandates on federal and federally assisted construction projects would expand competition and reduce costs.
According to ABC, eliminating union-only PLA policies could save taxpayers an estimated $10 billion annually by opening federal construction projects to broader competition.
Bellaman said the industry continues to face significant headwinds, including a projected workforce shortage of 349,000 workers in 2026. Additional challenges cited by the association include an aging workforce, immigration enforcement, elevated materials costs, tariffs, office vacancies and rapidly evolving construction technologies.
ABC called for regulatory changes it says would “level the playing field” and increase competition as the industry works to meet infrastructure, defense and community development demands nationwide.