Looking at Residential for New Work Opportunities
Some of us have lived and worked through slower times in construction, but there’s no such thing as an idle time for our union. Even as commercial work has lulled in Oregon, we’re not sitting still. We’re working on securing more market share for union drywall finishers.
One of the biggest opportunities in front of us is residential construction. Union labor did most of these jobs in the 1950s, 60s, and 70s, but over the years most of the residential market has slipped out of our union hands. Now is the time to take it back, as residential is where a huge portion of Oregon’s construction work will be for years to come.
For drywall finishers, there is not a lot of difference between a residential job and a commercial or industrial project. A typical patch in a house is the same as in an office building. I’ve never understood why labor in a home or apartment should be valued less than the labor in a commercial tower. It can be the same craftsmanship, the same skills, and the same quality that our union members bring to every job.
That’s why Local 101 is making residential work a strategic priority. We’re not turning our backs on commercial or industrial work, but reclaiming the housing market is essential for creating stable work opportunities for our members into the future.
There are three ways we are working to win back the housing market and put union labor back to work in these projects:
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Education. A lot of residential work is being done cheaply, often by workers who aren’t paid fair wages or benefits. We’re reaching out to educate these workers, contractors, and state leaders about the value of skilled, trained finishers and the long-term cost savings of quality labor.
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Organizing. We’re connecting with the workers currently doing this work for low pay. When they understand what union membership can mean for their wages, benefits, and future, they become advocates for raising standards.
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Engaging with contractors. We’re building relationships with contractors who dominate the residential market. Many of them have never partnered with a union contractor before. Showing them how we can work together is a key part of expanding opportunities.
Closing Legislative Loopholes
There are far too many low-income housing projects receiving public money that are sidestepping prevailing wage laws. Tax increment financing projects are a great example. Whether the subsidy comes on the front end or back end, it’s still taxpayer money and it should require fair wages and skilled labor.
For instance, a project in Bend is now receiving nearly $100 million in tax rebates, yet it will likely be completed by workers earning low wages with no benefits. That scenario is too common across Oregon.
And it’s not just unfair; it’s bad policy. A 2021 study by the University of Oregon Labor Center showed that while union labor may cost more upfront, it saves money in the long run. Poor workmanship leads to higher maintenance and hidden future costs. Union labor delivers quality and reliability.
And beyond cost, there’s a basic moral question: Why should the workers building these housing complexes earn so little that they qualify to live in them?
Our legislators need to look beyond the cheapest bid and toward long-term community benefit. We’re working together to close loopholes and ensure that publicly supported projects meet prevailing wage standards.
How We Get There
Rebuilding the union’s presence in residential construction won’t happen overnight. This is a multi-decade effort, and we need to start now. Other trades with licensed crafts have been able to hold onto more of their market, but drywall finishing — with materials you can buy at any Home Depot — requires a different kind of strategy and persistence.
The good news is it’s absolutely attainable.
With smart planning, consistent organizing, and political support, we can rebuild a strong union presence in residential construction. This work is essential to securing long-term opportunity for our members and raising standards across the industry.
As members, you play a crucial role. We need you at meetings, helping to reach workers on the job site and supporting legislative pushes. Your voice and your participation makes the difference. And the more voices we have, the faster we achieve our goals. |
