Message from the District Council

Contract Update

At this time we are informing all members that contract talks will continue past the June 30th deadline. Talks are progressing but the District Council and contractors mutually agreed that a short term extension would be necessary to come to a final agreement. This means that the terms and conditions of the current contract will continue. To be clear, work will continue under the terms, conditions and wage rates of the current contract without disruption.

In the press and on the jobs there have been reports that some Building Trades may not reach agreement or extend negotiations past July 1st. The District Council in accordance with the position and past practice of the New York City Building and Construction Trades Council will NOT honor economic picket lines of other Trades. In the unlikely scenario that contractors attempt to replace union trades people with non-union workers this position will be revisited.

This is especially important on Project Labor Agreement or PLA jobs. While we recognize individual member’s rights in regards to picket lines, the District Council is contractually bound by a “no-strike” provision on these projects. If the District Council was found to be in violation of this provision we would be subject to potentially catastrophic damages in court. Therefore, while we recognize individual members have a right not to cross a picket line the District Council is legally obligated to keep these jobs running without interruption.

It is our intention to conclude our negotiations as quickly as possible. Please refer to our website for continuing updates and a list of PLA jobs with “no strike” provisions.