Nonunion Construction Workers Hit 88.9% in 2025, ABC Says
Event summary
- 88.9% of U.S. construction workers were nonunion in 2025, up from 89.7% in 2024.
- Total construction workforce grew to 9 million in 2025, with 995,000 union members.
- ABC cites merit-based employment as the preferred model for 8 million nonunion workers.
- ABC estimates $10 billion annual savings if Trump eliminates Biden-era union-only PLAs.
- Construction industry faces a 349,000-worker shortage in 2026.
The big picture
The construction industry's shift toward merit-based employment reflects broader labor market trends favoring flexibility and skill-based advancement. ABC's push to eliminate union-only PLAs underscores the strategic importance of regulatory policy in shaping competitive dynamics. The industry's workforce challenges and infrastructure demands create a high-stakes environment for labor relations and policy decisions.
What we're watching
- Regulatory Influence
- Whether Trump administration will eliminate Biden-era PLA mandates, impacting federal construction contracts.
- Workforce Dynamics
- The pace at which the construction industry can address a 349,000-worker shortage amid aging workforce and immigration enforcement.
- Competitive Landscape
- How the merit-based vs. unionized labor divide will shape project bidding and taxpayer savings.
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