Two major labor organizations announced a partnership Tuesday aimed at expanding benefits and support for construction workers across Alabama, a development that could strengthen union presence in the right-to-work state.
The Association of Skilled Trade and Transportation Unions and the Alabama State Building and Construction Trades Council said their strategic alliance will focus on worker protections, benefits access and member retention efforts throughout Alabama’s construction industry.
The partnership brings together ASTTU, a national organization that provides voluntary benefits to union members, and ASBCTC, which represents multiple construction craft unions across Alabama including electricians, plumbers, ironworkers and operating engineers.
Benefits expansion for Alabama construction workers
Under the alliance, ASTTU will offer voluntary disability income protection and supplemental medical coverage to ASBCTC member unions at no administrative cost to local organizations. The benefits are designed to supplement existing health insurance coverage and protect union wages.
“This collaboration reflects our shared belief that when unions work together, we’re stronger,” said Carl Galdine, director of membership and benefits at ASTTU. “This alliance creates new opportunities to do exactly that by helping Alabama’s skilled trades workers access critical benefits, advocacy, and national-level support tailored to their needs.”
The voluntary benefits include guaranteed-issue life insurance and additional medical expense coverage intended to fill gaps in traditional health plans. Local union leaders maintain control over their organizations while gaining access to expanded member services.
Strategic focus on right-to-work challenges
The partnership represents a response to organizing challenges in Alabama, where right-to-work laws limit union membership requirements. Both organizations said they plan to work together on workforce development initiatives and efforts to expand organized labor’s statewide presence.
“Our Council is committed to creating more work opportunities, achieving living wages, and protecting the benefits our Members and all construction workers rely on,” said Bill Blackman, president of the Alabama State Building and Construction Trades Council. “This alliance with ASTTU strengthens that mission by expanding access to valuable benefits and reinforcing the economic security of Alabama’s skilled trades workforce.”
The collaboration extends beyond benefits provision to include advocacy work, safety initiatives and labor education programs. ASTTU maintains partnerships with organizations focused on worker rights and safety training.
National trend toward union collaboration
The Alabama partnership reflects a broader national strategy among labor organizations to coordinate across sectors and geographic regions. Union leaders say such alliances help address evolving workplace challenges and strengthen collective bargaining power.
Both organizations emphasized that the alliance preserves local union autonomy while providing access to national-level resources and support systems. The partnership aims to increase member participation and retention rates among Alabama construction unions.
The alliance follows similar collaborative efforts between ASTTU and other regional labor councils as unions adapt strategies for organizing in challenging political environments. Alabama’s construction industry employs thousands of skilled trade workers across major infrastructure and commercial building projects.
