Hawaii’s construction workforce is undergoing a significant transformation, with more than 69% of private-sector employees choosing not to work under union representation. This shift underscores a broader trend in the state’s evolving economy, where flexibility, competitive wages, and diverse career opportunities are driving workers away from traditional union structures.
Hawaii’s Economic Landscape and Workforce Trends
According to a Pacific Business News report, Hawaii’s economy continues to navigate challenges related to federal disruptions and broader national economic shifts. The University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization (UHERO) further projects that while the state’s job market remains stable, long-term workforce trends indicate a growing preference for nonunion employment, reflecting a shift in worker priorities.
Additionally, a Honolulu Star-Advertiser economic forecast suggests that Hawaii is experiencing a period of economic uncertainty, with inflationary pressures and federal policy changes impacting employment across various industries. These conditions are reshaping the labor market, encouraging workers to seek merit-based opportunities that offer greater mobility and career growth potential.
A National Perspective on Union Membership Declines
Hawaii’s workforce trends align with a national shift away from union membership. According to an Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) analysis of 2024 union membership data from unionstats.com, at least 80% of private construction industry workers were nonunion in 41 states. The decline is even more pronounced in some regions, with 29 states reporting that over 90% of private construction workers are not union members.
Nationwide, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that 7,978,000 construction industry workers were not members of a union in 2024, an increase of 12,000 from 2023. Meanwhile, overall union membership in the construction industry declined by 38,000 workers to 916,000.
Why Hawaii’s Workforce Is Choosing the Open-Shop Model
The shift toward nonunion employment in Hawaii can be attributed to several key factors:
- Greater Flexibility: Open-shop employment offers workers more control over their careers,allowing them to move between projects and companies without union restrictions.
- Higher Earning Potential: Many skilled professionals find that merit-based pay structuresallow them to earn more based on their experience and performance.
- More Training and Career Advancement Opportunities: Organizations like ABC HawaiiChapter provide extensive apprenticeship, craft, and safety training programs, equippingworkers with the skills they need to succeed in the industry.
ABC’s Commitment to Workforce Development
ABC remains committed to developing a highly skilled workforce through a robust network of apprenticeship, craft training, and safety programs. In 2022 alone, ABC and its members invested $1.6 billion in workforce development, training nearly 1.3 million workers across various trades.
Additionally, ABC’s 862 training programs, offered through 300 ABC chapters, joint ventures, and affiliated organizations nationwide, ensure that construction professionals have access to hands-on training and certification opportunities.
The Future of Hawaii’s Workforce
As Hawaii continues to adapt to shifting economic conditions, the growing preference for nonunion employment suggests that more workers are seeking greater autonomy, better pay, and enhanced career opportunities. With over 69% of private-sector workers opting out of union membership, Hawaii’s labor market is moving toward a more competitive, open-shop workforce model that prioritizes individual growth and economic resilience.
To learn more about ABC’s workforce development initiatives and its advocacy for merit shop construction, visit abchawaii.org.
