Through the years, LIUNA has grown and prospered, and is now comprised of:

• Over 500,000 members
• 400 Local Unions
• 44 District Councils
• 9 Regional Offices
• 1 Canadian Sub-Regional Office
• International Headquarters in Washington, DC

The International Union and all affiliates operate under LIUNA’s Constitution, which is subject to amendment by delegates attending the International Union General Convention held every five years. The Union’s programs and agenda are set at the same General Convention through the consideration and adoption of resolutions submitted by Convention delegates and by the General Executive Board.

A great deal of the work of LIUNA is carried out through the International Union. Some of the International’s responsibilities are:

• Collective bargaining with national contractors both in construction and in other industries is conducted by the International Union on behalf of all affiliates.
• Representation of all Laborers in the AFL-CIO, the Building and Construction Trades Department, the Heavy Highway Coalition, and throughout the Labor Movement.
• Representation of the membership on Capitol Hill and in Parliament.
• Overseeing and supporting organizing programs carried on at both local and regional levels.
• Working with our Tri-Funds to see that Laborers receive the best in training, the most vigilant protection of members’ health and safety, and the most aggressive pursuit of additional employment opportunities.

There are nine LIUNA Regions with offices and staff including Regional Managers and International Representatives that provide assistance to the District Councils and Local Unions within their regions, and represent the International to each.

LIUNA members are represented on the job by Local Unions. Local Union Business Managers shoulder this responsibility, in many cases with the assistance of one or more field representatives. In addition, Business Managers may appoint stewards to provide day-to-day representation on the job site. Business Managers are elected by union members—as are the other officers of your Local Union Executive Board. Local Unions protect members in many ways, such as:

• Enforces rights under the collective bargaining agreement.
• Assists members in finding employment through its referral service or hiring hall.
• Provides apprenticeship and training programs, offering members the opportunity to develop and improve skills needed to obtain—and to retain—employment in an ever more complex and demanding working environment.
• Enforces legal rights, such as those extended to workers under the National Labor Relations Act.