News
January 31, 2025

New Union Contractor Association Expands into Arizona

Caroline Raffetto

PHOENIX — A new player has entered Arizona’s construction industry, aiming to provide strong representation and resources for union-based contractors. The Western States Contractors Association (WSCA), a non-profit organization specializing in heavy civil construction, has officially launched operations in the state.

Heavy civil construction plays a crucial role in building and maintaining essential infrastructure, including highways, bridges, roads, and rail systems. As Arizona experiences rapid population growth and increased investment in public works, WSCA aims to support contractors working on large-scale infrastructure projects that drive economic expansion.

Bridging the Gap for Union Contractors

Charlie Nobles, executive director of WSCA, explained the motivation behind the association’s expansion into Arizona. According to him, the organization seeks to fill a gap in the marketplace.

“While there are a handful of contractor associations in Arizona, none of them exclusively focus on serving union-based engineering contractors,” he said. “It’s impossible for a contractor association to serve two masters, which is essentially what happens when an association represents both union and non-union firms. Those separate interests can be diametrically opposed.”
Arizona Chapter Associated General ...

Unlike other industry groups that cater to both union and non-union contractors, WSCA’s exclusive focus on union firms provides a unique advantage. By concentrating solely on union contractors’ needs, the organization aims to advocate for better wages, training programs, and fair labor policies that benefit workers and businesses alike.

Addressing Workforce Shortages and Labor Challenges

WSCA’s expansion into Arizona is partly driven by the region’s booming construction industry and its ongoing labor challenges. The state has seen an influx of infrastructure funding, but finding skilled and trained workers has been an ongoing struggle for contractors.

John Cooper, WSCA’s director of labor relations, explained how WSCA emerged as a response to these workforce issues.

“According to the owners of several large Arizona construction companies, the booming economy had been struggling to find an adequate number of skilled and trained workers to work on infrastructure projects. Offering competitive rates and benefits makes working in Arizona more attractive,” he said.

By partnering with unions, WSCA intends to ensure that Arizona contractors have access to a well-trained workforce capable of handling complex infrastructure projects. The association’s advocacy also includes pushing for competitive wages and benefits that attract and retain top talent in the industry.

The Prevailing Wage Factor

While federally funded infrastructure projects require that workers be paid “prevailing wage”—which essentially mandates union-level wages—state and local projects do not always have the same requirements. This discrepancy has made it more difficult for union contractors to remain competitive in certain sectors.

With a presence in Arizona, WSCA will work to ensure that union contractors receive fair opportunities to bid on projects and that local and state policies support fair labor practices.

Commitment to Advocacy and Industry Growth

WSCA is also committed to representing its members at all levels of government to ensure their voices are heard. WSCA Board member Paul Marshall reaffirmed this mission, stating that the organization is “here to represent and promote our member companies at the state, county and city level in a way they previously haven’t had access to.”

By advocating for increased investment in transportation and infrastructure projects, WSCA hopes to strengthen the construction industry while ensuring that Arizona’s growing communities receive high-quality infrastructure built by skilled professionals.

A Legacy of Industry Leadership

WSCA is an extension of the Southern California Contractors Association (SCCA), an organization with over 50 years of experience in the construction industry. Originating in Orange County, California, SCCA was approached by Southern California-based unions expanding into Arizona. Recognizing the demand for union contractor representation, WSCA was formed to provide dedicated advocacy and support for these contractors in Arizona and the broader southwestern region.

About the Western States Contractors Association (WSCA)

The Western States Contractors Association (WSCA) represents union contractor companies across the southwestern United States. WSCA provides labor relations support, workforce development initiatives, and advocates for increased state, county, and local investment in transportation infrastructure. As an extension of the Southern California Contractors Association, WSCA continues a legacy of excellence and service, ensuring that union contractors have the resources and representation they need to thrive in a competitive industry.

For more information, visit wscontractors.org.

News
January 31, 2025

New Union Contractor Association Expands into Arizona

Caroline Raffetto
Announcements
Arizona

PHOENIX — A new player has entered Arizona’s construction industry, aiming to provide strong representation and resources for union-based contractors. The Western States Contractors Association (WSCA), a non-profit organization specializing in heavy civil construction, has officially launched operations in the state.

Heavy civil construction plays a crucial role in building and maintaining essential infrastructure, including highways, bridges, roads, and rail systems. As Arizona experiences rapid population growth and increased investment in public works, WSCA aims to support contractors working on large-scale infrastructure projects that drive economic expansion.

Bridging the Gap for Union Contractors

Charlie Nobles, executive director of WSCA, explained the motivation behind the association’s expansion into Arizona. According to him, the organization seeks to fill a gap in the marketplace.

“While there are a handful of contractor associations in Arizona, none of them exclusively focus on serving union-based engineering contractors,” he said. “It’s impossible for a contractor association to serve two masters, which is essentially what happens when an association represents both union and non-union firms. Those separate interests can be diametrically opposed.”
Arizona Chapter Associated General ...

Unlike other industry groups that cater to both union and non-union contractors, WSCA’s exclusive focus on union firms provides a unique advantage. By concentrating solely on union contractors’ needs, the organization aims to advocate for better wages, training programs, and fair labor policies that benefit workers and businesses alike.

Addressing Workforce Shortages and Labor Challenges

WSCA’s expansion into Arizona is partly driven by the region’s booming construction industry and its ongoing labor challenges. The state has seen an influx of infrastructure funding, but finding skilled and trained workers has been an ongoing struggle for contractors.

John Cooper, WSCA’s director of labor relations, explained how WSCA emerged as a response to these workforce issues.

“According to the owners of several large Arizona construction companies, the booming economy had been struggling to find an adequate number of skilled and trained workers to work on infrastructure projects. Offering competitive rates and benefits makes working in Arizona more attractive,” he said.

By partnering with unions, WSCA intends to ensure that Arizona contractors have access to a well-trained workforce capable of handling complex infrastructure projects. The association’s advocacy also includes pushing for competitive wages and benefits that attract and retain top talent in the industry.

The Prevailing Wage Factor

While federally funded infrastructure projects require that workers be paid “prevailing wage”—which essentially mandates union-level wages—state and local projects do not always have the same requirements. This discrepancy has made it more difficult for union contractors to remain competitive in certain sectors.

With a presence in Arizona, WSCA will work to ensure that union contractors receive fair opportunities to bid on projects and that local and state policies support fair labor practices.

Commitment to Advocacy and Industry Growth

WSCA is also committed to representing its members at all levels of government to ensure their voices are heard. WSCA Board member Paul Marshall reaffirmed this mission, stating that the organization is “here to represent and promote our member companies at the state, county and city level in a way they previously haven’t had access to.”

By advocating for increased investment in transportation and infrastructure projects, WSCA hopes to strengthen the construction industry while ensuring that Arizona’s growing communities receive high-quality infrastructure built by skilled professionals.

A Legacy of Industry Leadership

WSCA is an extension of the Southern California Contractors Association (SCCA), an organization with over 50 years of experience in the construction industry. Originating in Orange County, California, SCCA was approached by Southern California-based unions expanding into Arizona. Recognizing the demand for union contractor representation, WSCA was formed to provide dedicated advocacy and support for these contractors in Arizona and the broader southwestern region.

About the Western States Contractors Association (WSCA)

The Western States Contractors Association (WSCA) represents union contractor companies across the southwestern United States. WSCA provides labor relations support, workforce development initiatives, and advocates for increased state, county, and local investment in transportation infrastructure. As an extension of the Southern California Contractors Association, WSCA continues a legacy of excellence and service, ensuring that union contractors have the resources and representation they need to thrive in a competitive industry.

For more information, visit wscontractors.org.