BAC Leaders Bring BAC Priorities to AFL-CIO Convention

In early June, thousands of unionists from across the United States gathered in Minneapolis for the convention of the AFL-CIO – the labor federation made up of the vast majority of the nation’s unions. Although the AFL-CIO doesn’t directly represent workers in collective bargaining, it plays a critical role in advocating for workers and their unions in the press and in the halls of power. 

BAC’s delegation to the convention, led by IU President Tim Driscoll, brought BAC’s perspective to the proceedings and ensured that our union’s priorities were heard by leaders of America’s labor movement. And few issues affect BAC members more than the rampant misclassification of workers as “independent contractors” by non-union construction firms. As Mike Volpentesta, President of Administrative District Council 1 of Illinois told the convention, “let’s call it what it is: it’s theft. By falsely labeling employees as ‘independent contractors,’ these bad actors steal billions from workers. They cheat our governments out of revenue, undermine honest, law-abiding employers, and strip workers of their fundamental right to organize … we cannot back down, and we will not back down. Together, we will hold these bad actors accountable, protect our workers, and win this fight!” 

“Solidarity is what makes unions powerful,” said President Driscoll, “and that’s why it’s important that BAC is a member of the AFL-CIO. We need to maintain strong ties with our fellow unions – and they need to know which issues matter to us.”