Washington, Jan. 28—A recent analysis by Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ (BLS) 2024 Union Members Summary has revealed a historic low in union membership among U.S. construction workers. Only 10.3% of the construction workforce was unionized in 2024, down from 10.7% in 2023.

The report highlighted a shift in worker preferences, with non-union workers increasing to 7.978 million in 2024, compared to 7.966 million the year prior. Meanwhile, union membership declined by 38,000, leaving 916,000 union-affiliated workers. Overall, the construction industry itself contracted slightly, losing 26,000 workers and dropping from 8.92 million in 2023 to 8.894 million in 2024.

Union Membership Decline Amid Industry Challenges

Ben Brubeck, ABC Vice President of Regulatory, Labor, and State Affairs, described the decline as a signal of worker dissatisfaction with union offerings. “Despite minimal barriers to joining unions, construction workers are clearly not buying what unions are selling,” Brubeck said. He linked the decline to factors such as union politics and policies that, in his view, fail to address worker needs.

Brubeck also criticized the Biden administration’s labor policies, particularly its support for project labor agreements (PLAs) on federally funded projects. He claimed these mandates limit competition by favoring unionized contractors, ultimately driving up project costs. “These policies are anti-competitive and inflationary,” Brubeck added, pointing to recent court rulings against pro-PLA measures that allegedly violate congressional intent.

High Costs and Labor Shortages Compound the Issue

The construction industry faces mounting challenges, including rising material costs—up 38.6% since February 2020—and a workforce shortage of 439,000 workers in 2025. With interest rates also on the rise, industry headwinds are unlikely to ease soon.

Brubeck urged regulatory changes under a potential Trump administration to address these issues. He emphasized that eliminating pro-PLA policies could restore competition, reduce costs, and save taxpayers up to $10 billion annually on federal and federally assisted construction projects.

Looking Ahead
As non-union workers continue to dominate the sector, industry leaders and policymakers will likely face growing pressure to reassess labor regulations and their impact on the future of construction.