Wage and benefit settlements reported to the Construction Labor Research Council (CLRC) so far in 2009 have resulted in an average first year increase of $1.49 or 3.1 percent. This is down considerably from the average $2.30 or 4.9 percent reported for the comparable period a year earlier. Second and third years settlements are also lower, but by lesser amounts.

The first year settlement level was influenced by a number of one year agreements which provide for little or no increase. Contracts covering larger bargaining units tended to have settlements at or below the national average. The result is that while the all contracts percent increase is just over three percent, more contracts were settled at between 4.0 and 4.9 percent than any other level. Most of these cover few workers.

Regional Variation

Settlements in the East North Central region (IL, IN, MI, MN, OH, WV, WI) are most numerous, as always. Remaining agreements were reported throughout the country. Average settlements in the East North Central region are close to the national average, although all but four agreements with increases of 4.0 percent or higher are in this region.

United States vs East North Central Region Settlement Report

Contract Duration

Three years continues to be the most common duration of newly negotiated contracts, but to a lesser extent than past years. One year agreements have become more prevalent. Half of new agreements have been three years or more in length.

Settlement Report Summary

This report has been issued to provide an early indication of 2009 bargaining results. Subsequent reports will be released which will be more geographically representative and provide craft detail.

The CLRC is located in the Ironworker Management Progressive Action Cooperative Trust (IMPACT) office at the Ironworkers International Union Headquarters in Washington, DC.