Trade Union Discrimination in the Pittsburgh Construction Industry How and Why it Operates

Abstract

Black Americans have an unemployment rate twice as high as whites, while the construction industry claims there are severe shortages of skilled manpower. Blacks contend the trade unions discriminate against them, while the unions claim they must maintain &dquo;high standards&dquo; of craftsmanship. Although it is important to identify the charges and establish the &dquo;facts,&dquo; not enough attention has been paid to analyzing this problem based upon a sound understanding of how the construction industry and trade unions operate.' This researcher has participated in numerous discussions between blacks, unionists, and industrialists, which have produced much heat but little light. All too often, ideologies, policies, strategies, and programs are built upon a misunderstanding of the construction industry &dquo;system.&dquo;The objective of this paper is to detail how and why the manpower system in the construction industry operates. In examining this process, we will contrast trade unions and industrial unions, as well as describe black participation in the trade unions, especially in Pittsburgh. Finally, based upon the analyses, a number of recommendations will be suggested to increase black participation in the trade unions. TRADE UNION DISCRIMINATIONThe discrimination against Negroes by unions is not a unique phenomenon. The &dquo;white racism&dquo; the Riot Commission described permeates all our institutions. The unjust treatment of blacks by the labor unions only reflects what is apparent in other organizations and institutions (Jacobs, 1966: 166). Blacks often have found it exceedingly difficult, if not impossible, to go from entry-level jobs up the employment ladder, as whites have done. Major institutions, the universities, corporations, foundations, and government are attempting today