A strong start for labor in the new year

By Kevin Ferreira
Executive Director, Sacramento-Sierra’s BCTC

Happy New Year to our wonderful family of Labor, and to my brothers and sisters in the Building Trades. As we step into 2026 together, we can do so with confidence, pride and a strong sense of unity. The work we do matters, and the year ahead is already showing great promise for working men and women across our region.

The year is off to a strong and exciting start. Construction continues to boom in the Sacramento region and throughout California. From large infrastructure projects to private development, union workers are building our communities every day. Our members are enjoying strong employment, steady work and good wages, with no signs of slowing down. These jobs mean stability for our families, opportunity for our young people and strength for our unions.

Even more encouraging is the growth of our ranks. New apprentices are joining the trades, bringing energy, talent and a willingness to learn. Our outreach efforts in local schools and communities are paying off. Young people are seeing that the construction trades offer more than just a job—they offer a lifelong career, excellent training, and a chance to build something real. These new members are preparing for the jobs of the future, and they are helping to keep our unions strong for generations to come.

One of the most exciting projects currently underway is the new data center at McClellan Park. You can read more about this project in this issue, but the most important thing to know is that it is being built under a strong Project Labor Agreement. This PLA ensures our members receive the fair wages, quality benefits and safe working conditions they deserve. It also acknowledges that union workers are setting the standard for excellence on this job.

Data centers are a growing part of the construction industry, and we expect to see many more across our region as technology and artificial intelligence continue to expand. These are complex, high-tech projects that demand precision, skill and experience. During negotiations, it became clear that developers know the value of union labor to handle complicated work like this. They trust our members to deliver the highest quality work, on time and on budget.

This is what union power looks like: skilled workers, strong PLA’s and a united voice. Together, we are building the future—for our industry, our locals and our families.