Sign in

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.

PostsRepliesMedia
Baltimore-D.C. Metro Building Trades Council @bdcbt.bsky.social · 18h
Epps spoke to WUSA 9 after the Prince George's County Council voted on Monday to approve -- WITHOUT a PLA requirement -- up to $215 million in bonds to support financing of the proposed Sphere at National Harbor.
000
Baltimore-D.C. Metro Building Trades Council @bdcbt.bsky.social · 18h
“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...
101
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
thebanner.com
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.
000
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...
bdcbt.org
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.
000
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...
bdcbt.org
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.
011
Baltimore-D.C. Metro Building Trades Council @bdcbt.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
All the union members in the audience just stood up together…
000
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
100
Baltimore-D.C. Metro Building Trades Council @bdcbt.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Join the council TONIGHT, Sept. 22nd, for a public listening session to share your perspective, ask questions and provide input on the proposed project. 6pm, Sept. 22 Wayne K. Curry Administration Building Committee Room 2027 1301 McCormick Drive Largo, MD 20774
010
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.
110
Baltimore-D.C. Metro Building Trades Council @bdcbt.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
WHAT: Worker & Resident Town Hall re: the Sphere at National Harbor WHEN: 5:30-7:30pm, Thurs., Sept. 24th, 2026 WHERE: 7007 Bock Road, Fort Washington, MD WHO: County elected officials, building trades workers, community members RSVP and learn more: bdcbt.org/advocacy/sph...
bdcbt.org
Sphere Town Hall RSVP - Baltimore-DC Metro Building Trades Council
Worker & Resident Town Hall Worker & Resident Town Hall Regarding the Sphere at National Harbor The…
000
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.
100
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/...
000
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...
bdcbt.org
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.
000
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...
bdcbt.org
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.
100
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.’
000
Baltimore-D.C. Metro Building Trades Council @bdcbt.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
"Communities that partner with data centers on water-recycling systems, transparent power-purchase agreements and community benefit agreements that specify the host area’s gains before any permits are issued deliver real revenue and real jobs with manageable costs."
000
Baltimore-D.C. Metro Building Trades Council @bdcbt.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
"The debate shouldn’t be data centers, yes or no. Instead, it should center on the rules and who enforces them."
100
Baltimore-D.C. Metro Building Trades Council @bdcbt.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
In his op-ed in today's New York Times, Don makes the case for responsible development and strong labor agreements when it comes to data centers, not all-or-nothing decisions.
100
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
nytimes.com
Opinion | Electricians Love Data Centers. You Should, Too. (Gift Article)
Electricians like data centers. Here’s why you should, too.
100
Baltimore-D.C. Metro Building Trades Council @bdcbt.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
In his op-ed in today's New York Times, Don makes the case for responsible development and strong labor agreements when it comes to data centers, not all-or-nothing decisions.
000
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...
bdcbt.org
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.
020
Baltimore-D.C. Metro Building Trades Council @bdcbt.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
We will have two more info sessions about our DC Fall Raising the Bar program, both via Zoom, on August 27th and Sept. 3rd, from 5pm-6pm both days. Our fall program will run from October 5 to November 13, 2026. 📌 To register, visit: bdcbt.org/apprenticesh...
bdcbt.org
Raising the Bar - Info Session Registration - Baltimore-DC Metro Building Trades Council
Raising the Bar Info Sessions Raising the Bar Info Sessions Please fill out and submit the form…
000
Baltimore-D.C. Metro Building Trades Council @bdcbt.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
Students got in some some hands-on practice screeding a simulated concrete pour (using sand), learned about the Local 891 apprenticeship program and had fun with another practice construction math test! Now class, one more time... What are the four main ingredients in concrete?
100
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
100
Baltimore-D.C. Metro Building Trades Council @bdcbt.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
If you live in Fredericksburg, please take a couple minutes to send a message to the Fredericksburg City Council and tell them you support the 1500 Gateway project:
000
Baltimore-D.C. Metro Building Trades Council @bdcbt.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
The project is also designed to be highly sustainable, including an air-cooled design that will not use potable city water for cooling.
100
Baltimore-D.C. Metro Building Trades Council @bdcbt.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
The construction phase will support more than 2,800 jobs, generating over $190 million in wages. It will also have a project labor agreement (PLA), prioritizing local hiring, apprenticeship opportunities and family-wage jobs for area residents.
100
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.
100
Baltimore-D.C. Metro Building Trades Council @bdcbt.bsky.social · 10/08/2026
TAKE ACTION: Live in Fredericksburg? See first comment for link to send a letter to city councilmembers in support of the 1500 Gateway project. bdcbt.org/take-action/...
bdcbt.org
1500 Gateway: A Sustainable Economic Engine for Fredericksburg - Baltimore-DC Metro Building Trades Council
TAKE ACTION: Support a Sustainable Economic Engine for Fredericksburg TAKE ACTION: Support a Sustainable Economic Engine for…
000
Baltimore-D.C. Metro Building Trades Council @bdcbt.bsky.social · 10/08/2026
"With strong labor standards, this is the kind of investment Fredericksburg needs.” – Edgar del Aguila, Carpenters Local 197
100
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.
100
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.
000
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...
000
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)
bdcbt.org
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.
000
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
bdcbt.org
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,…
000
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.
bdcbt.org
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.
010
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
bdcbt.org
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...
000
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-...
bdcbt.org
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.
000
Baltimore-D.C. Metro Building Trades Council @bdcbt.bsky.social · 15/07/2026
www.wusa9.com/article/news...
000
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
100
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-...
000
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...
bdcbt.org
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.
010
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...
bdcbt.org
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.
000
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.
bdcbt.org
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.
000
Baltimore-D.C. Metro Building Trades Council @bdcbt.bsky.social · 18/06/2026
Learn more about Raising the Bar at a Zoom info session at 5pm TODAY, June 18. Our Baltimore program will run from July 20 to August 28. 📷 Register at: bdcbt.org/apprenticesh... #Baltimore #apprenticeship #SkilledTrades #union
010
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.
100
Baltimore-D.C. Metro Building Trades Council @bdcbt.bsky.social · 04/05/2026
www.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...
000
Baltimore-D.C. Metro Building Trades Council @bdcbt.bsky.social · 04/05/2026
This film is sponsored by ATU Local 689 and features interviews with long-time members, archival footage from the early 20th century and live captured footage of countless organizing campaigns around the region.
100
Baltimore-D.C. Metro Building Trades Council @bdcbt.bsky.social · 04/05/2026
In 2019, ATU Local 689 had its first labor strike in 41 years. Since then, it has had 10 different strikes at transit employers across the nation's capital region. Hear from the workers how they relearned their union's history as an organizing, fighting and striking union.
200
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...
100