Expanding our market share of work and organizing new members are two of our top priorities.
Our strength in negotiations and our ability to enhance the wages and benefits for all members are directly affected by membership and market share levels. Our market share is currently one of the highest in the labor movement and double the average for all the construction trades.
When it comes to union bargaining power, our strength in numbers is the most important factor in advancing the work of this union.
The International Association promotes organizing through a number of ways, including:
- Assisting Local Unions in reaching out to nonunion workers and employers.
- Providing financial assistance to Local Unions that expend resources in recruiting new members and employers.
- Assisting Local Unions through the innovative SMWIA Youth to Youth program which allows apprentices to learn more about organizing in the growth of the union through campaigns and other activities directed at non-union employers.
- Working with other trades in targeting whole industries for unionization.