Local 245 - Construction and General Laborers

Members of local union 245 work in the building and construction trades industry of Ohio. Local 245 is an affiliate of LIUNA- the Laborers' International Union of North America- a constant growing union of construction workers, and one of the most diverse unions to effectively represent federal and public service employees.

Members unite through their collective bargaining agreement (CBA). The CBA is a catalyst to a better quality of life for the member. It's a contract negotiated by the union and the employer to protect the worker. The CBA will ensure family-supporting wages, decent and affordable health benefits, retirement security and career advancement.  Members enjoy benefits that are not made available to non-union workers. Government statistics show that the average pay for union construction workers is more than 50% above that of non-union construction workers. Also, union members are more likely to have healthcare and a pension-- 82% of union construction workers have health insurance, compared to only 46% of non-union construction workers and 77% of union construction workers have a pension plan, compared to only 35% of non-union construction workers.

Local Union members are involved in the day-to-day affairs of their local unions. They participate in an election process to vote for the Local’s Officers, such as, Business Manager, Field Representative and Shop Steward. Members set priorities for contracts and are the key in the Union's growth and success at increasing market share.

Members often become Leaders of their Local Unions. Local Unions fall under District Councils that work with Regions to serve the Local, while other Local Unions work independently with the Regional Office.

The Work We Do

Local 245 performs various crafts from skyscrapers and tunnels to bridges and solar energy fields

• Laborers perform dangerous clean-up projects on old buildings by removing hazardous materials, such as asbestos and lead

• Laborers serve the public in administrative, law enforcement, hospitals and government agencies throughout North America

• Laborers provide administrative support to students and faculty at colleges and universities

• Laborers are employed in movie studios, manufacturing, food processing, maritime, recycling, home improvement, maintenance and other core industrial jobs.

Representing Workers' Rights

As Union Laborers we stand united with one voice representing workers’ rights across North America, earning the respect we deserve on important issues in the political arena.

• Respect

• Better pay

• Access to health care

• Secure pensions

• Marketable training

• Sustainable career path

As all LIUNA affiliates, Local Union 245 operates under LIUNA’s Constitution. Every five years it is subject to amendment by delegates who attend the LIUNA General Convention. The Local Union’s programs and agenda are set at the same General Convention through the consideration and adoption of resolutions submitted by Convention delegates and by the General Executive Board.

Affiliates to the International are nine regions, 55 district councils, and more than 500 local unions and the executive boards. The nine Regional Offices assist the affiliated District Councils and Local Unions of their Region, and represent the International to each. 

LIUNA represents a half million working men and women who demand a living wage, decent health benefits, safer jobsites, more successful employers and a unified voice for working people across North America!  Members of the Laborers' Union belong to one of the fastest-growing unions in North America. From 8,000 members in 1903 to more than 500,000 today, the Laborer's Union continues to embrace workers from all occupations throughout Canada and the United States.

Resource Links

Code of Best Practices

Local Union Officer Election Guide

LIUNA Constitution

LIUNA History

DOL Newsletter: Promoting and Protecting Opportunity