Carolinas Associated General Contractors (CAGC) says it has detected an increase in union activity in the Carolinas targeting the construction industry, the association says in a note to members.
“We are encouraging all members to review their employee programs to ensure they are protected against union organizing tactics and prepared when unions approach your employees, jobsites and offices,” CAGC says in an announcement. “CAGC provides members with an array of resources to help keep your company open shop and avoid labor related legal claims; including, our Open Shop/Pro Employee web page, Union Free Help Desk, Build Your Career program and access to the CAGC Human Resources Committee’s unmatched expertise on the issue.”
“Contractors in NC and SC have recently confronted labor-front groups attempting to target their use of non-union subcontractors,” says Mark Stubley, labor attorney/shareholder with Ogletree Deakins. “Public works contractors have also seen labor unions seek the names and personal information of employees on certified payrolls in order to target that employees for organizing and union membership.”
CAGC says, in addition to in-house open shop resources, “if you think your company is being probed by unions, we have a special arrangement with Mark Stubley for a free initial consultation to determine status and next steps in dealing with union organizing efforts.”
“We stand ready to assist members in doing all they can to prepare for union organizing tactics,” says Allen Gray, CAGC Utility Division director and Open Shop/Pro-Employee contact. “With our online and in-house resources, legal counsel and HR committee, our members have access to the most comprehensive open shop tools available that are specifically designed for the Carolinas construction industry.”
“North Carolina and South Carolina are both low union density areas,” Stubley said. “However, the Building Trades continue efforts to make inroads to organizing non union contractors and to strip non union contractors of their skilled employees. All of this underscores the need for CAGC members to maintain positive employee relations, train front-line supervisors, and utilize the significant resources developed.”
For nearly 100 years, CAGC has been active in successfully keeping the Carolinas construction industry open shop, the association’s announcement said. “We have the resources, training programs and staff to help your company maintain a highly skilled workforce, implement an effective open shop program and cultivate a pro-employee atmosphere.”
CAGC members can contact the Open Shop help desk at UnionFree@CarolinasAGC.org, or phone Gray at (704) 372-1450, ext. 5231.