Union Labor Advisory Network

08/26/2025

Top masons and apprentices will gather at Highmark Stadium Parking Lot for the Mason Contractors Association of Western Pennsylvania’s (MCAWP) highly anticipated SpecMix Bricklayer 500® & Jr. SpecMix Bricklayer 500® Regional Series Competition.

For more than 50 years, MCAWP, a not-for-profit organization of union masonry contractors, has promoted and encouraged apprenticeship education, and advocated for masonry construction in western Pennsylvania. The association plays a vital role in workforce development and career promotion in the region.

International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers International Masonry Institute
TradesFutures

Read the Full Article in the link below:

Top masons and apprentices will gather at Highmark Stadium Parking Lot for the Mason Contractors Association of Western Pennsylvania’s (MCAWP) highly anticipated SpecMix Bricklayer 500® & Jr. SpecMix Bricklayer 500® Regional Series Competition.

08/26/2025

Christophe Silvera, Secretary-Treasurer Local 808, has been a Teamster since 1983 and is now the longest-serving principal officer in the International Brotherhood. He champions union democracy, where members have a voice in leadership—because getting the rank and file involved is what keeps our union strong!

Did you know:
Teamsters Local 808 represents Metro North workers and building service workers in New York. Metro North workers maintain tracks used by hundreds of thousands of weekly riders. Local 808 building service members work at a wide range of locations, including Stuyvesant Town, the largest apartment complex in Manhattan. Local 808 members have a long history of activism in civil rights and progressive politics.

Watch the Full interview of Chris Silvera on YouTube
https://hubs.li/Q03Fr-pK0

08/25/2025

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro visited the IBEW local 163 JATC electrical training center in Nanticoke to promote his administration’s focus on vo-tech, CTE, and apprenticeships.

08/25/2025

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro was at the I.B.E.W. Local 163 JATC electrical training center in Nanticoke to promote his administration’s focus on vo-tech, CTE, and apprenticeships.

“It’s a win for everybody, for that individual, for our community college, for our union hall, and for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. And we are trying to treat every avenue to success with hope and with investment.” he said.

In remarks to a small crowd, Governor Shapiro touted the 50 percent increase of funding for trade professions as well as the work done between unions, PA community colleges and apprenticeship training centers.

“It’s a big deal. And I don’t want anyone in this community to lose sight of the fact that everything is now connected. Our system of higher ed working with our K to 12 system. Our union leaders working with business leaders. Education is happening not just in a traditional classroom, but in a union hall like this. That’s a big deal.”

Read the Full Article in the Link below:
https://hubs.li/Q03FfJNH0

08/24/2025

California teens are ditching office jobs — and making $100K before they turn 21
College degrees don't offer the job security they once did. Is blue-collar work the answer?

United Association TradesFutures
Read the Full Article in the Link below:

"It's kind of a strange place to be."

08/24/2025

Demos P. Demopoulos, Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters Local 553, knows firsthand the value of union work. As a young man, he wasn’t sure where life would take him, but in the oil industry he found good pay, benefits, and stability—so much so that he left college and still got ahead of many peers who graduated.

That experience showed him the real value of union work: stability, opportunity, and pride in what you do.

“I have a job that I actually love,” Demos says. “And I’m proud that through our union, we’re able to help so many lives—not just our members, but their families too.”
you know:

New York Teamsters Local 553 represents drivers and other workers in the oil, dairy, freight, building materials, and bakery industries. The union also represents convention employees at the Jacob Javits Center and other New York event spaces. The oldest Teamster local in New York, Local 553 began as a union of Teamsters transporting coal on horse drawn carts. Local 553 members also run the fueling operation at JFK airport.
Teamsters Local 807 recently merged into Local 553.

Watch. the full interview on our YouTube channel:
https://tinyurl.com/mr3k7x5j

Thank you Demos P. Demopoulos, Secretary-Treasurer
To learn more contact:
Teamsters Local 553
265 W 14th St, Rm 305
New York, New York 10011
Or visit: https://hubs.li/Q03F7kDL0
212-929-6828

08/22/2025

ULA Network Charitable Foundation
Third Annual Veterans Service Awards
📅 October 29, 2025

Join us as we honor the unions dedicated to empowering veterans with meaningful careers and opportunities in the trades. This event celebrates the incredible impact of guiding our nation’s heroes toward rewarding futures and ensuring their service continues to be recognized in our communities.

Let’s come together to show our appreciation, celebrate their success, and strengthen our commitment to those who have served our country.

✨ Stay tuned for honoree announcements and visit our website for more details
https://hubs.li/Q03DWvTC0

We look forward to celebrating with you!

08/21/2025

Thank you to President and Business Manager Justin Scarinci of Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers Local 1 PA/DE who shared insight into the wide range of skills their members master — from brick, stone, PCC, marble, and tile to terrazzo. Local 1’s state-of-the-art JATC training center prepares members to excel at every level, from apprentice to journeyman, foreman, and superintendent.

Representing the local in competition is an honor, with every participant backed by the full support of their union brothers and sisters. Today’s apprentices show up with dedication, skill, and the drive to become future labor leaders.

Justin also provided information and opportunities for those interested in exploring a career with BAC Local 1 PA/DE — a path built on hard work, strong wages, retirement security, healthcare, and the lifelong solidarity of the union. At Local 1, the future is limitless for those ready to put in the effort."**

For more information on career opportunities with BAC Local 1 PA/DE visit:
https://hubs.li/Q03CRj7g0

08/21/2025

The ULA Network had the pleasure of sitting down with Anthony Abrantes, Assistant Secretary Treasurer of the Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters, who emphasized that careers in the trades are life-changing opportunities.

A tradesperson can earn around $110,000 a year without student debt, making it a strong alternative to traditional college pathways. While higher education has value, many graduates are now seeking trades careers after realizing they initially chose the wrong path.

Abrantes highlighted that success is not limited to “white collar” jobs—union trades offer financial stability, healthcare, retirement security, and the ability to provide for a family with dignity. His key message: blue-collar careers are a pathway to success, stability, and meaningful contributions to society, and more people need to know these opportunities exist.

Check out our Full Interview on the ULA Network
https://hubs.li/Q03DHmdt0

For more information contact :
https://hubs.li/Q03DHnd90 or https://hubs.li/Q03DHm8j0

The ULA Network is dedicated to honoring the strength and solidarity of union labor by educating, connecting, and empowering individuals through shared experiences, opportunities, and support. Our mission is to uplift families and communities by promoting the value of union careers, economic development, and workforce resilience. Through collaboration and storytelling, we aim to build a future where every person understands the power of unity, dignity in work, and the promise of a better tomorrow. https://hubs.li/Q03DHnrk0

The ULA Network would like to thank our sponsors and supporters for believing in our mission to support educate and promote our union labor family and our communities.
To learn more visit: https://hubs.li/Q03DHkCd0

08/19/2025

The ULA Network was proud to sit down with Kevin Collins, Vice President for Market Development at Ullico Inc. Kevin shared how he was welcomed back to the company by the late Ed Smith and now serves alongside President & CEO Brian Hale and Chief of Staff Cori Houlihan. In his role, Kevin works across Ullico’s three business units ,

Life and Health: This division, anchored by The Union Labor Life Insurance Company, provides life and health insurance products and solutions specifically designed for the labor market. Their offerings include group term life, accidental death and dismemberment, voluntary supplemental insurance, and various other group benefits, including medical stop-loss insurance.

Property and Casualty: Ullico Casualty Group Inc. comprises this division, focusing on creating insurance products that mitigate fiduciary risks for union workplaces and their trustees. Their products include Fiduciary Liability, Union Liability, Commercial Lines, and Alternative Risk Solutions through captive insurance programs.

Investment Services: This division, composed of Ullico Investment Advisers Inc. and Ullico Investment Company Inc., provides investment products and services for institutional investors, particularly targeting the union marketplace and employee benefit plans. Their investment strategies focus on areas like infrastructure, real estate, and fixed income, often with an emphasis on promoting union job creation.
In summary,

Ullico's three divisions address the diverse needs of labor organizations, union employers, and union members through a comprehensive range of insurance and investment solutions.

To learn more visit: https://hubs.li/Q03D3x1c0
Listen to our Full Interview with Kevin in the Link Below.
https://hubs.li/Q03D3wLG0

The ULA Network dedicated to honoring the strength and solidarity of union labor by educating, connecting, and empowering individuals through shared experiences, opportunities, and support. Our mission is to uplift families and communities by promoting the value of union careers, economic development, and workforce resilience. Through collaboration and storytelling, we aim to build a future where every person understands the power of unity, dignity in work, and the promise of a better tomorrow. https://hubs.li/Q03D3xn40

Thank you to all of our sponsors & supporters.
To learn more visit: https://hubs.li/Q03D3wyp0

08/19/2025

North America's Building Trades Unions TWBN conference is just one month away, and we can’t wait!

Thank you Christina Lemyre, President of Insulators Local 12’s Women’s Committee and a passionate union advocate, for sharing her inspiring journey in the construction trades. Christina shared how opportunities like Tradeswomen Build Nations inspired her to create her local’s Women’s Committee and make a real impact.




TradesFutures