Contractors: Why Hire Union Labor?

At IUOE Local 181, we deliver more than manpower — we bring proven expertise, unmatched professionalism, and a commitment to safety and productivity that sets your projects up for success. When you hire union Operating Engineers, you’re not just filling a role — you’re investing in skilled professionals who show up trained, certified, and ready to get the job done right the first time.

Find Out Why Contractors Choose IUOE Local 181.

Build Better, Bid Smarter: The Union Advantage

  • Contractors can form an ongoing relationship with their union hall to be notified about jobs they may want to bid on.

    “I talk to the union reps, usually weekly. They'll send me projects that are coming up, and I'll send them some stuff we're looking at so we try to keep communication, make sure we don't let a good job slip past.”

    — Tom Colley
    Little Creek Construction
    Tom Colley

  • Confidence in bidding, knowing the union hall can provide trained workers and benefits for any size job.

    “We bid jobs knowing the quality of people we can get from the union hall, and that lets us bid more competitively. We’re very comfortable with the people that we’re working with, which makes everybody more productive.”

    — Tim Sigler
    JBI Construction
    Tim Sigler

  • Laborers arrive to the job site ready to work, with training on the latest equipment and safety certification.

    “We've recognized the difference in the workforce between union and nonunion workers is relatively simple. The extensive training that the union provides the men and women in the industry is second to none. And your risk is mitigated tremendously by having trained workers.”

    — Mike Gies
    Abel Construction Company
    Mike Gies
  • Take the stress out of recruitment - call your local union hall and they will supply you with workers who have already been vetted and trained.

    “The union provides a lot of help in the recruitment and the HR, facilitating hiring and bringing these employees up to speed. They can have that security of those health insurance benefits, retirement throughout their career, and not just have to work for one contractor. So being able to keep that level of stress down with the employee makes a better worker.”

    — Mark Edlebeck
    Fisher Contracting
    Mark Edlebeck
  • Hiring within a district where the workers are familiar with the surrounding area can help contractors branch out into new markets.

    “Working with the local union has helped us grow, because we're able to take on more projects. We're able to continue to diversify our company. And calling on the local operators union, we're able to get the individuals that fit the job that we're going after.”

    — Quentin Riley
    Travis Construction
    Quentin Riley
  • Contractors consistently praise the pride and camaraderie of union laborers.

    “Working with union workers you know that they have a sense of pride in what they're building. And they all just have that sense of kinship.”

    — Mark Edlebeck
    Fisher Contracting
    Mark Edlebeck