Welcome to your comprehensive guide to construction trade unions across Washington State. Whether you’re looking to join a union, find apprenticeship opportunities, or connect with your local, this directory will help you find the right union for your trade.
Click any union name below to visit their website for membership information, apprenticeship programs, and contact details.
Why Join a Union?
Union membership provides construction workers with:
- Fair wages and benefits – Union workers earn significantly higher wages with better health insurance and retirement plans
- Safety protections – Unions enforce safety standards and advocate for worker protection on job sites
- Apprenticeship programs – Learn your trade with paid, hands-on training from experienced journey workers
- Job security – Union contracts provide clear rights, protections, and dispute resolution processes
- Career advancement – Access to ongoing training and skill development throughout your career
Find Your Union
Structural/Foundation
These trades build the core structure and framework of construction projects, from excavation to framing.
- Laborers: Local 242 (Western WA) / Local 238 (Eastern WA)
- Operating Engineers: Local 302 (Western WA) / Local 370 (Eastern WA)
- Ironworkers: Local 86 (Seattle/Tacoma) / Local 14 (Spokane)
- Carpenters: Local 30 (Western WA) / Local 98 (Spokane)
Building Envelope
These trades create the exterior shell and weatherproofing of buildings.
- Cement Masons: Local 528 (Western WA) / Local 983 (Spokane)
- Bricklayers/Masons: Local 1 (Washington/Alaska)
- Roofers: Local 54 (Seattle/Tacoma)/Local 153 (Tacoma)
- Sheet Metal Workers: Local 66 (Western WA) / Local 55 (Spokane)
MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing)
These trades handle all electrical, plumbing, heating, and mechanical systems in buildings.
- Plumbers/Pipefitters: UA Local 26 Lacey/Tacoma / UA Local 32 (Seattle/Everett/Bellingham) / UA Local 598 (Pasco)
- HVAC Technicians: UA Local 26 Lacey/Tacoma / UA Local 32 (Seattle/Everett/Bellingham)
- Electricians (Inside Wiremen): IBEW Local 46 (Seattle) / IBEW Local 76 (Tacoma) / IBEW Local 73 (Spokane)
- Lineworkers (Outside): IBEW Local 77 (Seattle area utility workers)
- Elevator Constructors: Local 19 (Washington)
Finishing Trades
These trades complete the interior surfaces and final details of construction projects.
- Drywall/Tapers: Local 33 (Western WA)
- Painters: District Council 5 (covers multiple locals in WA)
- Tile Setters: Local 37 BAC (Washington)
- Flooring Installers: Local 1238 (Seattle area)
- Glaziers: Local 188 (Western WA)
Specialty Trades
These trades provide specialized skills for specific construction systems and equipment.
- Insulation Workers: Local 7 (Washington)
- Boilermakers: Local 104 (Pacific Northwest)
- Millwrights: Local 96(Western WA)
- Sprinkler Fitters: Local 669 (Washington)
Getting Started
New to the trades? Most unions offer apprenticeship programs that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. You’ll earn while you learn, with wages increasing as you gain experience.
Already working in construction? If you’re a non-union worker, contact your local union to learn about organizing your workplace or joining as an experienced worker.
Questions? Reach out directly to the local union in your trade and area. They can provide information about membership requirements, apprenticeship applications, and current opportunities.
