If you’re considering joining a union or are already a member, you might wonder: Are unions political? The short answer is yes—but not in the way most people think.
Unions like Carpenters Local 106 are political because the decisions made by lawmakers have a direct impact on our wages, safety, job opportunities, and rights at work. Being politically active isn’t about taking sides in partisan debates—it’s about standing up for working people and making sure our voices are heard where decisions are made.
Why Politics Matters to Working People
Everything from jobsite safety regulations and wage standards to apprenticeship funding and labor rights is shaped by political decisions. If we don’t participate in the political process, we risk letting others decide what happens to our jobs, our benefits, and our future.
Here are just a few examples of how politics affects union members:
- Prevailing wage laws that protect fair pay on public construction projects
- Right-to-work laws that weaken collective bargaining power
- Apprenticeship program funding that supports workforce development
- Workplace safety standards set by OSHA and local regulations
- Retirement and healthcare protections for union members and their families
When unions engage in politics, they do it to protect these interests—not to play party politics.
How Carpenters Local 106 Gets Involved
At Carpenters Local 106, we believe in supporting candidates, policies, and legislation that benefit working families—regardless of political party. We focus on issues that matter to our members: good jobs, safe worksites, strong training programs, and fair treatment for all workers.
We stay informed on local, state, and national legislation and actively work to educate our members on how upcoming votes and policies could impact their lives and livelihoods. We also participate in labor coalitions and partnerships that strengthen our voice in the political arena.
Your Voice, Your Power
One of the most powerful things a union can do is mobilize its members to take action. That can mean showing up to a city council meeting, contacting a legislator, or simply casting your vote in an election that affects union jobs and workers’ rights.
Union members vote in higher numbers than the general public because we know how much is at stake. When we’re informed and involved, we protect our interests—and the future of the trades.
Politics with a Purpose
So yes, unions are political—but with a clear and focused purpose: to support working people. It’s not about partisanship; it’s about advocacy. By engaging in the political process, Carpenters Local 106 fights to protect your job, your paycheck, and your future.
We don’t expect every member to agree on everything—but we do expect to stand united when it comes to defending the values that matter to us as skilled workers.
Want to learn more about how we advocate for our members? Visit our website and find out how your voice can make a difference.