Affiliated Construction Trades of Ohio
Affiliated Construction Trades of Ohio is a nonprofit advocacy organization that represents unionized construction workers in Ohio by promoting fair labor practices, safe working conditions, and policies supporting the building trades industry.
History
The Affiliated Construction Trades of Ohio was formed in 2010 as a subsidiary of the Ohio State Building and Construction Trades Council to coordinate advocacy efforts for local unions in the construction sector throughout the state of Ohio. In its initial years, the organization concentrated on defending prevailing wage laws against legislative proposals to weaken them, asserting that such modifications would negatively impact worker training and compensation in the industry.During the 2010s, Affiliated Construction Trades of Ohio broadened its scope to include resistance to environmental ballot measures viewed as threats to construction employment, such as anti-fracking initiatives and the Lake Erie Bill of Rights. By the 2020s, the group had enhanced its influence through bipartisan political endorsements and advocacy for worker safety legislation, while also backing ordinances against wage theft in major cities. The organization's foundation reported revenues surpassing two million dollars by 2024, indicating expanded funding for educational and lobbying initiatives.
Mission and activities
The mission of Affiliated Construction Trades of Ohio focuses on advocating for high-quality and safe construction practices through support for skilled union workers and fair competition in public projects to maximize taxpayer investments. The organization supplies research and marketing assistance to its affiliated local unions across Ohio and aims to inform the public on matters affecting the construction sector. Affiliated Construction Trades of Ohio participates in lobbying to preserve prevailing wage laws and encourage project labor agreements that highlight community benefits in infrastructure developments.Moreover, the group works with educational institutions to develop training programs for career guidance in construction trades including electrical work and bricklaying. Affiliated Construction Trades of Ohio promotes information sharing to guarantee accurate data dissemination pertinent to the industry. The organization supports laws to combat wage theft and maintain worker dignity for participation in public contracts.
Structure
Functioning as a 501(c)(5) nonprofit labor organization, Affiliated Construction Trades of Ohio emphasizes educational initiatives to improve working conditions and efficiency in the construction trades. The group is directed by Executive Director Matthew Szollosi, with principal staff including Legal Counsel Robert Dorans who manage daily operations. Affiliated Construction Trades of Ohio operates a political action committee that gathers funds and contributes to candidates aligned with labor interests across party lines.A representative from the organization sits on state boards dealing with labor and employment issues. The foundation directs substantial expenses toward compensation and operational activities, with revenues primarily derived from program services.
Political involvement
Affiliated Construction Trades of Ohio endorses candidates from both political parties who advocate pro-labor policies, emphasizing the delivery of high-quality work safely and within budget by trained professionals. In 2025, the organization endorsed Republican gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, noting his engagement with union members and acknowledgment of their contributions to taxpayers. The group has sponsored studies on the effects of prevailing wage laws to inform policy advocacy in Ohio.Affiliated Construction Trades of Ohio submits testimony in legislative committees to support policies safeguarding worker rights and industry norms. The organization has backed ballot measures such as Issue 2 in 2025 for public infrastructure funding without tax hikes.