Affiliated Construction Trades of Ohio

Affiliated Construction Trades of Ohio
AbbreviationACT Ohio
TypeNonprofit advocacy group
27-2940966
PurposeAdvocacy for unionized construction workers in Ohio
HeadquartersColumbus, Ohio
Executive Director
Matthew Szollosi
Parent organization
Ohio State Building & Construction Trades Council
Websitewww.actohio.org

Affiliated Construction Trades of Ohio (ACT Ohio) is a nonprofit advocacy organization that represents unionized construction workers in Ohio by promoting fair labor practices, safe working conditions, and policies supporting the building trades industry.[1][2]

History

The Affiliated Construction Trades of Ohio was formed in 2010 as a subsidiary of the Ohio State Building and Construction Trades Council to coordinate advocacy efforts for local unions in the construction sector throughout the state of Ohio.[3][4] In its initial years, the organization concentrated on defending prevailing wage laws against legislative proposals to weaken them, asserting that such modifications would negatively impact worker training and compensation in the industry.[5][6]

During the 2010s, Affiliated Construction Trades of Ohio broadened its scope to include resistance to environmental ballot measures viewed as threats to construction employment, such as anti-fracking initiatives and the Lake Erie Bill of Rights.[7][8] By the 2020s, the group had enhanced its influence through bipartisan political endorsements and advocacy for worker safety legislation, while also backing ordinances against wage theft in major cities.[9][10] The organization's foundation reported revenues surpassing two million dollars by 2024, indicating expanded funding for educational and lobbying initiatives.[11][12]

Mission and activities

The mission of Affiliated Construction Trades of Ohio focuses on advocating for high-quality and safe construction practices through support for skilled union workers and fair competition in public projects to maximize taxpayer investments.[13][14] The organization supplies research and marketing assistance to its affiliated local unions across Ohio and aims to inform the public on matters affecting the construction sector.[15][16] Affiliated Construction Trades of Ohio participates in lobbying to preserve prevailing wage laws and encourage project labor agreements that highlight community benefits in infrastructure developments.[17][18]

Moreover, the group works with educational institutions to develop training programs for career guidance in construction trades including electrical work and bricklaying.[19][20] Affiliated Construction Trades of Ohio promotes information sharing to guarantee accurate data dissemination pertinent to the industry.[21][22] The organization supports laws to combat wage theft and maintain worker dignity for participation in public contracts.[23][24]

Structure

Functioning as a 501(c)(5) nonprofit labor organization, Affiliated Construction Trades of Ohio emphasizes educational initiatives to improve working conditions and efficiency in the construction trades.[25][26] The group is directed by Executive Director Matthew Szollosi, with principal staff including Legal Counsel Robert Dorans who manage daily operations.[27][28] Affiliated Construction Trades of Ohio operates a political action committee that gathers funds and contributes to candidates aligned with labor interests across party lines.[29][30]

A representative from the organization sits on state boards dealing with labor and employment issues.[31][32] The foundation directs substantial expenses toward compensation and operational activities, with revenues primarily derived from program services.[33][34]

Political involvement

Affiliated Construction Trades of Ohio endorses candidates from both political parties who advocate pro-labor policies, emphasizing the delivery of high-quality work safely and within budget by trained professionals.[35][36] In 2025, the organization endorsed Republican gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, noting his engagement with union members and acknowledgment of their contributions to taxpayers.[37] The group has sponsored studies on the effects of prevailing wage laws to inform policy advocacy in Ohio.[38][39]

Affiliated Construction Trades of Ohio submits testimony in legislative committees to support policies safeguarding worker rights and industry norms.[40][41] The organization has backed ballot measures such as Issue 2 in 2025 for public infrastructure funding without tax hikes.[42][43]

Controversies

Affiliated Construction Trades of Ohio has encountered disputes regarding its advocacy for project labor agreements, resulting in political contributions and endorsements in local elections.[44][45] The organization opposed environmental proposals like the Lake Erie Bill of Rights and anti-fracking measures, contending they might damage construction job opportunities.[46][47][48] The group has been involved in disputes concerning contractor practices and labor agreements on public projects.[49][50]

References

  1. ^ "Columbus City Council may boost wage theft penalties on employers". The Columbus Dispatch. August 20, 2020. Retrieved January 10, 2026.
  2. ^ "Ohio lawmaker: Local governments already skirting state prevailing wage law". Cleveland.com. February 28, 2017. Retrieved January 10, 2026.
  3. ^ "Unions fuel GOP legislative runs". The Columbus Dispatch. February 25, 2018. Retrieved January 10, 2026.
  4. ^ "Ohio Senate considers bipartisan oil refinery safety bill that split House GOP". Cleveland.com. September 21, 2023. Retrieved January 10, 2026.
  5. ^ "Ohio lawmaker: Local governments already skirting state prevailing wage law". Cleveland.com. February 28, 2017. Retrieved January 10, 2026.
  6. ^ "Ohio bill seeks to make prevailing wage mandate optional". The Blade. February 28, 2017. Retrieved January 10, 2026.
  7. ^ "Ohio Court Overturns Law Preventing Cities From Voting on Anti-Fracking Measures". DeSmog. November 1, 2017. Retrieved January 10, 2026.
  8. ^ "Emails show LEBOR was target of last-minute change in law". Farm and Dairy. September 11, 2019. Retrieved January 10, 2026.
  9. ^ "Unions get Columbus, Ohio, city council to penalize wage theft". People's World. October 20, 2020. Retrieved January 10, 2026.
  10. ^ "Ohio Senate considers bipartisan oil refinery safety bill that split House GOP". Cleveland.com. September 21, 2023. Retrieved January 10, 2026.
  11. ^ "Columbus City Council may boost wage theft penalties on employers". The Columbus Dispatch. August 20, 2020. Retrieved January 10, 2026.
  12. ^ "Research Associate Job Description" (PDF). Gongwer News Service. Retrieved January 10, 2026.
  13. ^ "Bill puts project labor agreements in crosshairs". The Repository. May 3, 2016. Retrieved January 10, 2026.
  14. ^ "Ohio lawmaker: Local governments already skirting state prevailing wage law". Cleveland.com. February 28, 2017. Retrieved January 10, 2026.
  15. ^ "Unions fuel GOP legislative runs". The Columbus Dispatch. February 25, 2018. Retrieved January 10, 2026.
  16. ^ "Ohio House eyes prevailing wage law for public works projects". National Alliance for Fair Contracting. June 2, 2017. Retrieved January 10, 2026.
  17. ^ "Ohio Senate considers bipartisan oil refinery safety bill that split House GOP". Cleveland.com. September 21, 2023. Retrieved January 10, 2026.
  18. ^ "GOP lawmakers want a say on Ohio's vehicle emission standards". Ohio Capital Journal. October 9, 2023. Retrieved January 10, 2026.
  19. ^ "Columbus City Council may boost wage theft penalties on employers". The Columbus Dispatch. August 20, 2020. Retrieved January 10, 2026.
  20. ^ "Ohio Revised Code Section 3319.2213". Ohio Laws. Retrieved January 10, 2026.
  21. ^ "Unions get Columbus, Ohio, city council to penalize wage theft". People's World. October 20, 2020. Retrieved January 10, 2026.
  22. ^ "City Council OKs employer penalties for wage theft, and more tax breaks". Columbus Underground. September 21, 2020. Retrieved January 10, 2026.
  23. ^ "Columbus City Council may boost wage theft penalties on employers". The Columbus Dispatch. August 20, 2020. Retrieved January 10, 2026.
  24. ^ "Unions get Columbus, Ohio, city council to penalize wage theft". People's World. October 20, 2020. Retrieved January 10, 2026.
  25. ^ "Unions fuel GOP legislative runs". The Columbus Dispatch. February 25, 2018. Retrieved January 10, 2026.
  26. ^ "National good-government group labels Ohio redistricting an unmitigated disaster: Capitol Letter". Cleveland.com. October 12, 2023. Retrieved January 10, 2026.
  27. ^ "Columbus City Council may boost wage theft penalties on employers". The Columbus Dispatch. August 20, 2020. Retrieved January 10, 2026.
  28. ^ "Unions get Columbus, Ohio, city council to penalize wage theft". People's World. October 20, 2020. Retrieved January 10, 2026.
  29. ^ "Unions fuel GOP legislative runs". The Columbus Dispatch. February 25, 2018. Retrieved January 10, 2026.
  30. ^ "Cordray, DeWine battle for union endorsements". Tribune Chronicle. June 2018. Retrieved January 10, 2026.
  31. ^ "Ohio Senate considers bipartisan oil refinery safety bill that split House GOP". Cleveland.com. September 21, 2023. Retrieved January 10, 2026.
  32. ^ "Unemployment Compensation Integrity Board". Ohio Legislative Service Commission. Retrieved January 10, 2026.
  33. ^ "Columbus City Council may boost wage theft penalties on employers". The Columbus Dispatch. August 20, 2020. Retrieved January 10, 2026.
  34. ^ Section 4141.08 Unemployment compensation integrity board (PDF) (Report). Ohio Revised Code. Retrieved January 10, 2026.
  35. ^ "Cordray, DeWine battle for union endorsements". Tribune Chronicle. June 2018. Retrieved January 10, 2026.
  36. ^ "Unions fuel GOP legislative runs". The Columbus Dispatch. February 25, 2018. Retrieved January 10, 2026.
  37. ^ "Ramaswamy gets sixth union endorsement". The Vindicator. September 2025. Retrieved January 10, 2026.
  38. ^ Infrastructure Investment Must Create Good Jobs for All (Report). Center for American Progress. April 22, 2019. Retrieved January 10, 2026.
  39. ^ Kevin Duncan Handout (PDF) (Report). Montana State Legislature. Retrieved January 10, 2026.
  40. ^ "Ohio Senate considers bipartisan oil refinery safety bill that split House GOP". Cleveland.com. September 21, 2023. Retrieved January 10, 2026.
  41. ^ "GOP lawmakers want a say on Ohio's vehicle emission standards". Ohio Capital Journal. October 9, 2023. Retrieved January 10, 2026.
  42. ^ "Public works issue on Tuesday ballot". Ironton Tribune. May 5, 2025. Retrieved January 10, 2026.
  43. ^ "Yes on State Issue 2, supporting local improvements without a tax hike: endorsement editorial". Cleveland.com. April 4, 2025. Retrieved January 10, 2026.
  44. ^ "Dispute with Mahoning commissioners leads to $20K gift to candidate DiFabio". The Vindicator. October 26, 2024. Retrieved January 10, 2026.
  45. ^ "Bill puts project labor agreements in crosshairs". The Repository. May 3, 2016. Retrieved January 10, 2026.
  46. ^ "Ohio Court Overturns Law Preventing Cities From Voting on Anti-Fracking Measures". DeSmog. November 1, 2017. Retrieved January 10, 2026.
  47. ^ "Emails show LEBOR was target of last-minute change in law". Farm and Dairy. September 11, 2019. Retrieved January 10, 2026.
  48. ^ "Bank records reveal secret payments to Larry Householder's dark money group". Energy and Policy Institute. March 29, 2023. Retrieved January 10, 2026.
  49. ^ "Union Threatens Delays on $2B Columbus, Ohio, Airport Project". Engineering News-Record. September 16, 2024. Retrieved January 10, 2026.
  50. ^ "Statewide labor organization raises questions about OU electrical contractor". The Athens News. September 22, 2013. Retrieved January 10, 2026.
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