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Baltimore-D.C. Metro Building Trades Council

@bdcbt.bsky.social

81 followers 71 following 150 posts

Standing up for good jobs, strong communities and lifelong career opportunities in the skilled trades across DC, Maryland and Virginia.

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Baltimore-D.C. Metro Building Trades Council @bdcbt.bsky.social · 17h

“I think there was a 50% win for workers today. I’m advocating on behalf of workers, all of our workers in our council. Individuals who are skilled to build projects like this were left out.” - Samuel Epps, Pres. of the Metro Washington Council, AFL-CIO www.wusa9.com/article/mone...

Baltimore-D.C. Metro Building Trades Council @bdcbt.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

Prince George’s County Executive Aisha Braveboy is “talking to some Trump-affiliated billionaires in New York about a labor peace agreement. She’s not talking to us.” — Paul Schwalb, Exec Sec-Treas, UNITE HERE Local 25 Read more in the @bannerpgcounty.bsky.social

Prince George’s Council advances Sphere funding bills without resolution to labor demands

The Prince George’s County Council is hoping to win concessions from Sphere Entertainment while it still can.

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Baltimore-D.C. Metro Building Trades Council @bdcbt.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

"By attaching prevailing wage, registered apprenticeship programs and local hire guarantees to this TIF, you protect taxpayers, ensure top-tier safety and efficiency, and guarantee local workers build this project.” – Britton Loftin, IUPAT bdcbt.org/community-vo...

Community Voices Front and Center at Sphere ‘Listening Session’ - Baltimore-DC Metro Building Trades Council

The Baltimore-DC Metro Building Trades Council is urging the county to require a Project Labor Agreement (PLA) before approving any public funds.

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Baltimore-D.C. Metro Building Trades Council @bdcbt.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

“It was exciting to see all those young people come in. We have the workload and we need the workers to come in and we need to start training skilled people.” – Kevin Brown, Business Agent, Steamfitters UA Local 602 bdcbt.org/mid-atlantic...

Mid-Atlantic Trades See Record-Breaking Apprentice Surge - Baltimore-DC Metro Building Trades Council

Two affiliates of the Baltimore-DC Metro Building Trades Council recently welcomed historically large classes of new apprentices.

Baltimore-D.C. Metro Building Trades Council @bdcbt.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Packed house tonight for a Prince George’s County Council “listening session” about the #Sphere at National Harbor. #skilledtrades #apprenticeship #ProjectLaborAgreement

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Baltimore-D.C. Metro Building Trades Council @bdcbt.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

The proposed $1 billion Sphere at National Harbor represents more than just a new entertainment venue — it is a once-in-a-generation economic opportunity for our communities. The project is currently under consideration by the Prince George’s County Council.

Baltimore-D.C. Metro Building Trades Council @bdcbt.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Join us for a town hall this Thurs. to learn more about the proposed Sphere at National Harbor, including how a Project Labor Agreement (PLA) can ensure that any county support for the project will be both an investment in the facility AND good jobs for county residents.

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Baltimore-D.C. Metro Building Trades Council @bdcbt.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

The #KeyBridge rebuild is a vital investment in our future. We are calling for a Project Labor Agreement that will prioritize local hiring, create debt-free career paths and prevent costly labor shortages. #apprenticeship #Baltimore Sign the petition: bdcbt.org/take-action/...

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Baltimore-D.C. Metro Building Trades Council @bdcbt.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

“Project Labor Agreements are the best way to ensure that this rebuild is both an investment in the bridge and the people who build it — creating high-quality jobs and life-changing career opportunities for local residents.” – Greg Akerman, Balt-DC Building Trades Council bdcbt.org/phase-2-demo...

Phase 2 Demolition Bids Open for Key Bridge Rebuild - Baltimore-DC Metro Building Trades Council

The building trades are actively pushing for a Project Labor Agreement (PLA) to cover all remaining phases of the rebuild.

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Baltimore-D.C. Metro Building Trades Council @bdcbt.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

You want to be in the forefront of the next generation of this digital infrastructure. And we want to be the ones building it.” – Chris Anderson, Business Agent, Plumbers and Steamfitters Local 486 #skilledtrades #apprenticeship #1u bdcbt.org/building-tra...

Building Trades Literally ‘At the Table' for MD Data Center Summit - Baltimore-DC Metro Building Trades Council

For building trades leadership, participating in tech industry events is not optional — it is key to ensuring union labor remains the standard for next-generation construction.

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Baltimore-D.C. Metro Building Trades Council @bdcbt.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

IBEW Local 26 Political Coordinator Don Slaiman: Data centers are "tremendous opportunities" to build a great career in the union building trades and reach the upper-middle class. #apprenticeship #skilledtrades #1u #union www.foxbusiness.com/video/640410...

foxbusiness.com

Data centers are ‘tremendous opportunities’ for upper middle-class employment: Union leader | Fox Business Video

I.B.E.W. Local 26 political coordinator Don Slaiman discusses the national debate over data centers on ‘The Bottom Line.’

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Baltimore-D.C. Metro Building Trades Council @bdcbt.bsky.social · 21/08/2026

"Data centers represent the best opportunity in generations for blue-collar workers to attain a portion of the American dream... Our members buy homes near the job site because the job site isn’t going anywhere." – Don Slaiman, IBEW Local 26

Opinion | Electricians Love Data Centers. You Should, Too. (Gift Article)

Electricians like data centers. Here’s why you should, too.

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Baltimore-D.C. Metro Building Trades Council @bdcbt.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

Workers at the $900M Kalahari Resorts project in Spotsylvania County filed a class-action suit last week, alleging they were illegally misclassified as independent contractors, asked to work overtime but not paid an OT premium and faced long delays in getting paid at all. bdcbt.org/virginia-con...

Construction Workers File Wage Theft Lawsuit at Kalahari Resorts Project in Spotsylvania - Baltimore-DC Metro Building Trades Council

Workers claim they were asked to work overtime and were never paid an overtime premium – in addition to experiencing long delays in getting paid at all.

Baltimore-D.C. Metro Building Trades Council @bdcbt.bsky.social · 19/08/2026

Our Raising the Bar Baltimore summer cohort was at Operative Plasterers and Cement Masons' Local 891 in DC yesterday, where Local 891 Business Manager & Apprentice Coordinator Jamie Buck provided an intro to bull floats & other tools of the trade. #apprenticeship #skilledtrades

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Baltimore-D.C. Metro Building Trades Council @bdcbt.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

The 1500 Gateway project is a proposed data center in Fredericksburg that represents a generational investment in the city's future.

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Baltimore-D.C. Metro Building Trades Council @bdcbt.bsky.social · 10/08/2026

"This project represents an opportunity for local workers to earn good wages, support our families, and help build the future of our community." – Edgar del Aguila, Carpenters Local 197 easdatacenters.com/carpenters-b...

easdatacenters.com

Carpenters, building trades back PLA on Fredericksburg data center

A project labor agreement will put union carpenters and building trades to work on Penzance's 1500 Gateway data center in Fredericksburg, Va.

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Baltimore-D.C. Metro Building Trades Council @bdcbt.bsky.social · 08/08/2026

"This project will truly open doors for a lot of people to change the trajectory of their lives, their children's lives, and their children's children's lives." – Lupe Trejo, Steamfitters Local 602 VIDEO: Highlights of 8/6 press conf re: 1500 Gateway data center project.

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Baltimore-D.C. Metro Building Trades Council @bdcbt.bsky.social · 04/08/2026

"When data centers are built by union contractors who pay fair wages, meet safety standards and live in the communities they build, workers and families benefit. That is the model Virginia should protect." – Don Slaiman, IBEW Local 26 www.insidenova.com/opinion/gues...

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Baltimore-D.C. Metro Building Trades Council @bdcbt.bsky.social · 31/07/2026

"People are beginning to see that they don’t have to choose between a good career and avoiding debt. Union apprenticeships allow individuals to earn while they learn and build a stable future.” – Beli Acharya, Executive Director, Construction Trades Workforce Initiative (CTWI)

Local Pre-Apprenticeship Program Sees Big Surge in Interest - Baltimore-DC Metro Building Trades Council

The spike in Raising the Bar registrations mirrors a broader, historic jump in interest in the building trades in general, and in Mid-Atlantic apprenticeship programs in particular.

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Baltimore-D.C. Metro Building Trades Council @bdcbt.bsky.social · 31/07/2026

“This agreement reflects a shared commitment to invest both in the economic future of the city of #Fredericksburg, and in the people of this community.” – Greg Akerman, President, Baltimore-DC Metro BuildingTrades Council

Building Trades, Data Center Developer Agree to Implement PLA - Baltimore-DC Metro Building Trades Council

(FREDERICKSBURG, VA) — The Baltimore-DC Metro Building Trades Council (BDCBT) and 1500 Gateway LLC, a Penzance affiliate,…

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Baltimore-D.C. Metro Building Trades Council @bdcbt.bsky.social · 29/07/2026

“This is a game changer. This is a life changer… This is a generational experience.” – Stanley Jackson, President and CEO Anacostia Economic Development Corporation Read our full report on last week's panel about RFK Stadium construction opportunities.

Panel Highlights “Game Changing” RFK Stadium Opportunities - Baltimore-DC Metro Building Trades Council

A foundational element of the development is a Project Labor Agreement (PLA) that will cover both the stadium and surrounding hotel and restaurant districts.

Baltimore-D.C. Metro Building Trades Council @bdcbt.bsky.social · 28/07/2026

“These labor agreements are essential to ensure that jobs created by this project are quality, family-supporting jobs for county residents.” – Victoria Leonard, Baltimore-DC Metro Building Trades Council

Building Trades Call for PLA on National Harbor Sphere Project

Labor testimony urged the council to use its legislative leverage to ensure that the project translates into high-quality, local careers by bringing the developers to the negotiating table before fina...

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Baltimore-D.C. Metro Building Trades Council @bdcbt.bsky.social · 17/07/2026

“The purpose of the project is to bring regions across the country together to talk about how pre-apprenticeship can serve as an intermediary to support local hire initiatives.” – Beli Acharya, Executive Director Construction Trades Workforce Initiative bdcbt.org/ipp-aims-to-...

National Project Aims to Strengthen ‘Inclusive Pathways’ into the Trades

A primary goal of the Infrastructure Pathways Project is to strengthen local hire processes within Project Labor Agreements to go beyond well-intentioned policies and produce real, measurable results.

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Baltimore-D.C. Metro Building Trades Council @bdcbt.bsky.social · 15/07/2026

"I don't see any project labor agreement so I am going to work alongside with labor, just to make sure that any District dollars that are spent, include a project labor agreement alongside it." -- Ward 4 Councilmember and winner of DC mayoral primary Janeese Lewis George

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Baltimore-D.C. Metro Building Trades Council @bdcbt.bsky.social · 02/07/2026

During an in-person industry forum about the massive Key Bridge rebuild project held on June 18, 2026, a high-ranking spokesperson for the Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) stated that the agency is currently “evaluating this contract for a project labor agreement.” bdcbt.org/mdta-we-are-...

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Baltimore-D.C. Metro Building Trades Council @bdcbt.bsky.social · 01/07/2026

“We are excited for a new era in the District of Columbia, with leadership that prioritizes working-class residents.” – Greg Akerman, President, Baltimore-DC Metro Building Trades bdcbt.org/why-dcs-prim...

An Historic Sweep: Why DC’s Primary Was a Big Win for Working Families - Baltimore-DC Metro Building Trades Council

Every single DC candidate endorsed by the Metropolitan Washington Council AFL-CIO won their races.

Baltimore-D.C. Metro Building Trades Council @bdcbt.bsky.social · 01/07/2026

“When public dollars fund public projects, those projects should create opportunities for local workers and deliver the highest level of craftsmanship.” – Michael Conner, Sr. Council Representative, Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters bdcbt.org/loudoun-boar...

Loudoun Board Committee Backs PLAs for Two Upcoming Projects - Baltimore-DC Metro Building Trades Council

PLA would cover $86 million Route 15 widening project and $38 million expansion of the Adult Detention Center in Leesburg.

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Baltimore-D.C. Metro Building Trades Council @bdcbt.bsky.social · 18/06/2026

Building trades unions across the Mid-Atlantic are seeing unprecedented interest and record-breaking surges in #apprenticeship applications. Several local unions report that apprenticeship application numbers have doubled or tripled in recent years.

Apprenticeship Programs See Huge Spike in Interest, Applications - Baltimore-DC Metro Building Trades Council

Building trades unions across the Mid-Atlantic are seeing record-breaking surges in apprenticeship applications.

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Baltimore-D.C. Metro Building Trades Council @bdcbt.bsky.social · 18/06/2026

Nahom Fessehaye Solomon graduated in May 2026 from Raising the Bar, our free six-week pre-apprenticeship program. That very same day, he also learned he had been accepted into the apprenticeship program with Plumbers & Gasfitters Local 5.

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Baltimore-D.C. Metro Building Trades Council @bdcbt.bsky.social · 04/05/2026

Join ATU Local 689, NoVA Labor and DC LaborFest the evening of May 27th for a FREE documentary screening of "We Fought For What We Have: A Union Story." The film viewing will be followed by a Q&A panel discussion. Tickets: busboysandpoets.com/events/th-ev...

busboysandpoets.com

WE FOUGHT FOR WHAT WE HAVE: Screening and Panel Q&A Event | Busboys and Poets

Join us to watch a special ATU 689 documentary and engage with Striking Transit Workers in a Q&A moderated by Ginny Diamond NoVA Labor, ATU 689 & the DC LaborFest is hosting this free documentary view...

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Baltimore-D.C. Metro Building Trades Council @bdcbt.bsky.social · 27/04/2026

This #NationalApprenticeshipWeek, we’re celebrating the hands-on learning, mentorship and dedication that build strong careers — and strong communities. #apprenticeship #skilledtrades

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Baltimore-D.C. Metro Building Trades Council @bdcbt.bsky.social · 17/04/2026

Less than two weeks after graduating from the Raising the Bar pre-apprenticeship program, Jasmine Carter was accepted into an apprenticeship with Operating Engineers Local 37 and landed a full-time job with a union contractor. #apprenticeship #skilledtrades #union #baltimore

Baltimore-D.C. Metro Building Trades Council @bdcbt.bsky.social · 07/04/2026

#ANNAPOLIS UPDATE: In a floor vote today, the MD House voted by a more than 2-1 majority to approve HB 299, a bill that would give the state more tools to fight worker misclassification & workplace fraud, all of which can result in #wagetheft. #union #MDpolitics

Baltimore-D.C. Metro Building Trades Council @bdcbt.bsky.social · 26/03/2026

"The development of a casino with a convention center, hotel, concert hall, retail and dining facilities in Tysons would be completely transformative for #Fairfax." — Emebet Samuel Kassa, UNITE HERE Local 25, at 3/25 press conf at proposed project site next to Spring Hill Metro

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Baltimore-D.C. Metro Building Trades Council @bdcbt.bsky.social · 26/03/2026

Building trades members and other unions rallied at the site of the proposed Tysons Entertainment District yesterday, urging VA Gov. Abigail Spanberger to sign a bill allowing a casino w/ a convention center, hotel, concert hall, retail, dining and housing in #Fairfax County.

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Reposted by Baltimore-D.C. Metro Building Trades Council

Janeese4DC @janeese4dc.bsky.social · 20/03/2026

My vision for good jobs and economic growth starts with a simple idea: the people of DC should build the future of DC.

Baltimore-D.C. Metro Building Trades Council @bdcbt.bsky.social · 19/03/2026

The MD House Committee on Government, Labor and Elections voted 14-1 to approve HB864, the Maryland Workforce #Apprenticeship Utilization Act. “Ultimately, the goal is to really invest in and build up our Maryland workforce,” said Delegate Melissa Wells bdcbt.org/apprenticesh...

Apprenticeship Bill Advances in MD House Committee - Baltimore-DC Metro Building Trades Council

Bill aims to ensure state’s $600+ million annual investment in workforce development translates into quality career opportunities for local residents.

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Baltimore-D.C. Metro Building Trades Council @bdcbt.bsky.social · 27/02/2026

Thank you to Prince George’s County Council Chair Krystal Oriadha, Vice Chair Eric Olson and Councilmembers Tom Dernoga, Wala Blegay and Shayla Adams-Stafford for their commitment to local workforce and minority business participation on the proposed Sphere Project at National Harbor!

Baltimore-D.C. Metro Building Trades Council @bdcbt.bsky.social · 20/02/2026

"The redevelopment of Pimlico should be a flagship project for our state. It is critically important that this board ensures that MSA does not allow issues that have plagued other projects to tarnish this one..."

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Baltimore-D.C. Metro Building Trades Council @bdcbt.bsky.social · 18/02/2026

“This scheme – which involved paying plaintiffs far less than the required straight time and overtime wages – enriched subcontractor defendants at plaintiffs’ expense.” -- Jan. 2026 lawsuit alleging wage theft by three contractors on a Baltimore school project bdcbt.org/subcontracto...

Building Trades Raise Concerns About Subcontractors Facing Wage Theft Allegations on State Project - Baltimore-DC Metro Building Trades Council

Lawsuit alleges a wage theft "scheme" by three subcontractors

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Baltimore-D.C. Metro Building Trades Council @bdcbt.bsky.social · 31/01/2026

HUGE congrats to our partner on the Raising the Bar Pre-Apprenticeship Program — the Construction Trades Workforce Initiative — on being awarded an EARN grant from the MD Dept of Labor! governor.maryland.gov/news/press/p... #skilledtrades #apprenticeship #ConstructionJobs

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Baltimore-D.C. Metro Building Trades Council @bdcbt.bsky.social · 30/01/2026

"This is about the bad actors. This is about the people who do undercut and steal from workers, steal from taxpayers and steal from the state." - Donna Edwards, Pres of the MD & DC AFL-CIO, testifying before the MD Senate Finance Cmt in favor of legislation to address wage theft.

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Baltimore-D.C. Metro Building Trades Council @bdcbt.bsky.social · 23/01/2026

"PLAs create a link between a construction project and established registered #apprenticeship programs." - #IBEW Local 24 President Jon McLaughlin testifying in favor of proposed Project Labor Agreement (PLA) legislation at a 1/20/26 Anne Arundel County Council meeting.

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Baltimore-D.C. Metro Building Trades Council @bdcbt.bsky.social · 21/01/2026

ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY PLA LEGISLATION Balt-DC Building Trades Council Pres. Greg Akerman, IUPAT DC 51 Political Dir Roxy Mejia and IBEW Local 24 Pres. Jon McLaughlin testified tonight before the Anne Arundel Cty Council in favor of a proposed Project Labor Agreement (PLA) bill.

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Baltimore-D.C. Metro Building Trades Council @bdcbt.bsky.social · 16/01/2026

The 2026 MD legislative session has begun. We’ll be here in Annapolis all session, standing up for good family-sustaining jobs, battling wage theft, and advocating for Project Labor Agreements that promote #apprenticeship opportunities and great career paths for local residents.

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Baltimore-D.C. Metro Building Trades Council @bdcbt.bsky.social · 12/01/2026

Raising the Bar is the Baltimore-D.C. Metro Building Trades' six-week #apprenticeship readiness program. Next session starts Feb. 2. Want to learn more about how to launch your construction career? VIRTUAL INFO SESSION Jan. 13 @ 5pm via Zoom. Register at: www.bdcbt.org/rtb

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Baltimore-D.C. Metro Building Trades Council @bdcbt.bsky.social · 07/01/2026

"We look forward to partnering with the city to help it grow in the right way — prioritizing good local jobs, family-sustaining wages and training opportunities that create lifelong careers.” – Baltimore-DC Building Trades Council President Greg Akerman bdcbt.org/baltimore-ci...

Baltimore City Board Unanimously Approves New Labor Agreement with Building Trades - Baltimore-DC Metro Building Trades Council

Project labor agreement (PLA) includes local hiring requirements for apprentices.

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Baltimore-D.C. Metro Building Trades Council @bdcbt.bsky.social · 30/12/2025

The Baltimore-DC Metro Building Trades Council strongly commends Governor-Elect Abigail Spanberger on the nomination of Jessica Looman to be the next Secretary of Labor of the Commonwealth of Virginia. Click below to read the full council statement: bdcbt.org/gov-elect-sp...

Building Trades Council Commends Gov-Elect Spanberger on VA Labor Secretary Nomimation - Baltimore-DC Metro Building Trades Council

Jessica Looman (Photo: U.S. Department of Labor, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons) The Baltimore-DC Metro Building Trades Council…

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Baltimore-D.C. Metro Building Trades Council @bdcbt.bsky.social · 22/12/2025

“When it comes to projects that are as important as these, we want the best-trained, most skilled labor on the job — and that’s union labor.” – @MayorBMScott #skilledtrades #apprenticeship bdcbt.org/baltimore-ci...

Baltimore City, Building Trades Announce Pilot Labor Agreement for Local Infrastructure Projects - Baltimore-DC Metro Building Trades Council

Project labor agreement (PLA) will cover four upcoming water and waste treatment projects.

Baltimore-D.C. Metro Building Trades Council @bdcbt.bsky.social · 11/12/2025

“In D.C, legal accountability for prevailing wage violations extends all the way up the contracting chain — if your company or any of its subcontractors are underpaying workers, all of you can be held accountable.” – D.C Attorney General Brian Schwalb bdcbt.org/dc-attorney-...

D.C. Attorney General Secures More Than $2.2 Million in Wage Theft Settlements - Baltimore-DC Metro Building Trades Council

Investigations found that two contractors illegally misclassified hundreds of construction workers and failed to pay rightfully earned wages.