Labor's Continental Gambit: Unions Unite Against Tariffs, Eyeing Future

SAN DIEGO, CA – August 21, 2026

In a hall filled with nearly 4,000 members of the United Association (UA) skilled trades union, a clear and forceful message was delivered not by an American, but by a Canadian. Sean Strickland, Executive Director of Canada's Building Trades Unions (CBTU), took the stage at the UA's 41st Convention and drew a firm line against the rising tide of protectionism, arguing that economic walls threaten the very foundation of North American prosperity.

His address crystallized a growing strategic alignment between major labor organizations on both sides of the border. With 1,000 Canadian delegates in the audience, the moment transcended mere diplomatic courtesy; it was a demonstration of a unified front against trade policies that, according to labor leaders, are dismantling the integrated economic engine that has powered the continent for decades.

"Tariffs don't build anything. They delay everything," Strickland declared, his words resonating with an audience of plumbers, pipefitters, and welders who witness the real-world consequences of supply chain disruptions. "Our supply chains are integrated. When a project stalls in one country, workers in the other feel it." This sentiment came just after UA delegates passed their own resolution opposing tariffs, signaling a coordinated campaign to shift the political narrative away from protectionism and toward collaboration.

The High Cost of Economic Walls

The case against tariffs, as laid out by Strickland and supported by a growing body of evidence, is not an abstract economic theory but a tangible reality felt in factory towns and new housing developments alike. The CBTU pointed to industry analyses suggesting that recent tariff rounds have contributed to the loss of over 190,000 manufacturing jobs in the United States. While proponents of tariffs argue they protect domestic industries, studies from institutions like the Federal Reserve have repeatedly shown that the higher input costs and retaliatory measures often result in a net negative impact on overall employment.

One recent analysis found that while certain protected sectors saw modest job gains, these were more than offset by losses in industries that rely on imported materials. For the men and women who build North America, these are not just statistics; they are pink slips and shuttered factories.

The damage extends beyond the factory floor and directly into the housing market, exacerbating an affordability crisis that grips both nations. According to construction associations in California, tariffs on essential materials like steel, aluminum, and lumber—much of which is sourced from Canada—have added between $20,000 and $40,000 to the price of an average new home. In hyper-competitive markets like San Francisco and Los Angeles, that figure can be twice as high.

"That's not protecting workers," Strickland argued. "That's pricing families out of homes and putting tradespeople on the bench." The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) has echoed these concerns for years, consistently reporting that tariffs on imported goods act as a direct tax on housing, ultimately borne by the consumer. In a landscape where every dollar counts, such policies create a formidable headwind against efforts to increase housing supply and affordability.

A Unified Continental Front

The alliance between the CBTU, which represents half a million skilled workers in Canada, and the UA is a powerful example of labor's evolving role in shaping international policy. This is not merely a defensive posture but a calculated strategy to secure a permanent place at the table where the future of North American trade is decided. The partnership is a testament to a shared history and a recognition that the most significant challenges—and opportunities—are continental in scope.

"The relationship between the UA and Canada's Building Trades Unions runs deep," Strickland reminded the convention. "We've trained together, organized together, fought for working people together, and we'll keep building together." This deep-seated collaboration, guided by leaders like UA General President Mark McManus and Director of Canadian Affairs Terry Snooks, provides a resilient framework for navigating economic volatility.

The temporary pause in a recent round of tariffs, welcomed by the CBTU, is seen as a positive step, but leaders on both sides of the border understand it is only a reprieve. In echoing sentiments from Canadian leadership that significant work remains, the unions are signaling their intent to maintain pressure and advocate for a more stable and predictable trade environment. This cross-border solidarity gives them a unique and powerful voice, one that represents workers not just as national assets but as partners in a deeply integrated continental economy.

Building a Resilient Tomorrow, Together

Beyond the immediate battle over tariffs, the CBTU-UA partnership is fundamentally forward-looking. The ultimate goal is not just to defend existing jobs but to build the next generation of North American infrastructure. Both unions have set their sights on the massive investments required to modernize the continent's economic backbone, and they are positioning their members as the indispensable workforce to make it happen.

Executive Director Strickland concluded his address by highlighting the critical sectors where this collaboration will be most vital: energy, critical minerals, next-generation nuclear power, advanced manufacturing, data centres, and transportation infrastructure. These are not just construction projects; they are the pillars of 21st-century value creation and geopolitical strength. From securing the supply chains for electric vehicles with North American critical minerals to building the data centres that power the digital economy, skilled tradespeople are at the nexus of performance and permanence.

With a shared commitment to high-quality training, safety, and worker advocacy, the unions are making a compelling case that they are not just contractors but essential partners in nation-building. As governments in both Washington and Ottawa roll out ambitious infrastructure plans, the unified voice of the CBTU and UA serves as a powerful reminder that building a stronger, more resilient North America requires tearing down economic walls, not constructing new ones.