Federal Issues.

The Washington State Building and Construction Trades Council works in collaboration with the Government Affairs Department of NABTU to advocate for policies that benefit the construction industry, particularly the workers and the industries that employ them.  We also fight against policies that negatively impact the safety, job-security, and economic prospects of workers.

Workplace Standards

  • Prevailing Wage Laws
  • Project Labor Agreements
  • Registered Apprenticeship
  • Health and Safety
  • Multiemployer Pension Plans

Infrastructure & Jobs 

  • Investing in Infrastructure
  • ​Federal Permitting

Energy Infrastructure

  • Renewable and Sustainable Fuels
  • Nuclear Energy
  • Requiring high-road labor standards
“People all across our country have a new appreciation for just how essential… unions are,” Biden said of changes brought on by the coronavirus pandemic. “Unions are why so many today have health insurance and sick leave, why so many have a voice in the workplace and our democracy.”

Federal Legislation Watch

Apprenticeship Opportunity Act - H.R. 1859 / Rep. Suzan Delbene
Protecting the Right to Organize Act of 2025 - S. 852 / Sen. Bernie Sanders

In the News

DelBene introduces bill to increase participation in apprenticeships
March 5, 2025
WA roads agency had been expecting federal EV charger funds could be stalled
February 7, 2025
Project Labor Agreements can ensure success of coming construction boom 
June 17, 2024
How training in the trades is helping WA women succeed after prison 
January 14, 2024
US Dept. of energy selects pacific northwest for regional clean hydrogen hub
October 13, 2023
Nuclear power gets new push in U.S., winning converts 
July 5, 2022
Biden administration launches $6 bln nuclear power credit program
​April 20, 2022 
Childcare is Infrastructure
April 18, 2022

Executive Orders

​More information coming soon

NABTU Legislative Conference - 2025 

​OPENING VIDEO
LOBBY DAY:​
​WA Building Trades and Affiliates met with Washington's Congressional delegation

NABTU Legislative Conference - 2024 

​​REMARKS BY PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN
​​REMARKS BY NABTU PRESIDENT SEAN MCGARVEY

NABTU Legislative Conference - 2023 

​​REMARKS BY NABTU PRESIDENT SEAN MCGARVEY

NABTU Legislative Conference - 2022 

REMARKS BY PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN
​REMARKS BY LABOR SECRETARY MARTY WALSH