A History of Supporting Workers in Milwaukee

Originally chartered in 1910, the Milwaukee Building & Construction Trades Council, AFL-CIO (MBCTC) is still dedicated to the same set of core values and practices. Even in the infancy of our organization, we recognized the need to integrate ourselves into the community and focus not only on “bread and butter” unionism, but to encompass a broad spectrum of economic and social objectives.

Core Values

  • Coordinate and harmonize the activities, functions and interests of our affiliated local unions.
  • Foster, develop and advance apprenticeship training.
  • Promote the development of health and safety practices to protect the tradesmen and women in the industry.
  • Work tirelessly on ways to improve communication with our locals, and offer assistance when needed.
  • Safeguard the rights of workers.
  • Partner with our local unions to ensure our apprenticeship training programs are second to none.
  • Work with our contractors to minimize safety risks on every jobsite.
  • Foster relationships with WRTP/BIG STEP and other community organizations to recruit and train men and women from all walks of life.

LANDMARK PROJECTS

The pride our members take in their work is evident when you look at just a few of their projects:

  • Pettit National Ice Center
  • Performing Arts Center
  • Bradley Center
  • Miller Park
  • Midwest Airlines Convention Center (now the Wisconsin Center)
  • Potawatomi Bingo & Casino
  • Port Washington Generating Station
  • Elm Road Generating Station
  • Marquette Interchange
  • The Moderne

PARTNERSHIPS

Many of these projects would not have been possible if not for the relationships forged between the MBCTC and various governmental entities, industry leaders, business owners, and contractors. It’s because of our collective efforts that our industry has left an indelible mark on Milwaukee, and will continue to do so for another hundred years.