The Union Workforce Building Tomorrow

The Los Angeles/Orange Counties Building 
and Construction Trades Council represents 160,000 skilled union construction workers across 48 
local unions in Los Angeles and Orange Counties. 

Discover how our members are building Southern California.

From transportation systems and schools to renewable energy projects, we ensure that each jobsite is powered by union labor, delivering high-quality results that benefit communities across Los Angeles and Orange County. 

See our Work

160,000+

Union Members

48

Local Unions

122

Cities

Start a Trades Career

Grow Union Jobs Locally

Build with Union Labor

Our Priorities

Our priorities are designed to advocate for policies, projects, and industries that support careers, inclusive hiring, and sustainable union growth across Southern California.

Explore our key priorities that help build a better future for workers and communities.

See Our Priorities

News & Press Releases

Press Releases

Executive Secretary Ernesto Medrano on Allegations against Cesar Chavez

View Category: Press Releases

March 18, 2026

by LA/OC Building Trades

LA/OC Building & Construction Trades Council Executive Secretary Ernesto Medrano has released the following statement: I am deeply shocked by the allegations against Cesar Chavez, and my thoughts are first and foremost with the victims of assault and abuse. While I have no firsthand knowledge of these allegations, I am grateful to those who have […]

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Executive Secretary Ernesto Medrano on Allegations against Cesar Chavez: Download Press Relase
LA/OC Building & Construction Trades Council Endorses Karen Bass for Mayor of Los Angeles

LA/OC Building & Construction Trades Council Endorses Karen Bass for Mayor of Los Angeles

View Category: Press Releases

March 2, 2026

by LA/OC Building Trades

Los Angeles, CA – This morning, the LA/OC Building & Construction Trades Council, representing 14 trades, 48 local unions, and over 160,000 skilled workers across Southern California, announced its endorsement of Karen Bass for Mayor of Los Angeles. Throughout her career, Mayor Bass has stood firmly with labor, working families, and the skilled tradespeople who […]

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LA/OC Building & Construction Trades Council Endorses Karen Bass for Mayor of Los Angeles: Download Press Relase
Why the Building Trades Support Binding Arbitration

Why the Building Trades Support Binding Arbitration

View Category: Council Editorials

February 24, 2026

by LA/OC Building Trades

Earlier this month, the Los Angeles Board of Supervisors voted 4-0 in favor of putting Binding Arbitration on the November 2026 ballot. Introduced by Supervisors Lindsey Horvath and Hilda Solis, the Safer Los Angeles County Binding Arbitration proposal would put independent experts in charge of resolving contract disputes for first responders and workers in the […]

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Why the Building Trades Support Binding Arbitration: Read More
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Velia Archuleta
Member Spotlight

Velia Archuleta

Velia Archuleta, a proud member of Sheet Metal Local 105, is building a strong future in the trades with the support of the Women In Non-Traditional Employment Roles (WINTER) program and the LA/OC Building Trades Apprenticeship Readiness Fund (ARF)

“I am very, very grateful for where I am. Every day that I come into work, I reflect on my journey and it just brings me to tears. I don’t know how I would’ve gotten here if it wasn’t for the WINTER program and the ARF team. All I can say is that I am eternally grateful because I now have an opportunity I never thought possible — a second chance at life.”

Become an Apprentice

Start your journey to a successful career in the building trades with an apprenticeship program. Get paid while you learn, gain hands-on experience, and receive excellent benefits.

Find out more about our apprenticeship programs and how you can apply. 

Learn More