Wisconsin Building Trades Council

06/02/2026

Safety First, Always.

June is National Safety Month, and at WBTC, safety is at the center of everything our member unions do.

On every jobsite, union workers are trained to do more than complete the work. They are trained to protect one another, uphold high standards, and make sure every worker goes home safely at the end of the day.

For generations, unions have helped lead the way in building safer, fairer, and more accountable workplaces. Through rigorous training, enforceable standards, and a culture where workers are empowered to speak up, union members set the standard for safety across Wisconsin’s construction industry.

Safety is not just a checklist. It is a lifelong commitment.

06/01/2026

June begins today, but before we close the book on Mental Health Awareness Month, we want to highlight an important conversation from an upcoming episode of Trade Talk Wisconsin featuring Mikey Richards, Matt Rash, and John Bothun from LEAN, Laborers Escaping Adversity Now.

Through the Wisconsin Laborers Health Fund, LEAN is helping members and families facing mental health challenges, substance use, and other difficult moments by connecting them with peer support from fellow laborers who understand the work and the culture.

As Matt says in the episode: “Nobody should suffer in silence.”

The full episode is coming soon. In the meantime, follow Trade Talk Wisconsin and listen to past episodes:

Spotify: https://protect.checkpoint.com/v2/r01/___https://open.spotify.com/show/5xaT60pw0Wzbz5rd1ivsQ6___.YzJ1OmJlbmVzeXNpbmM6YzpvOmJhZDg1NmVkZDk3OWQ3YzJkYzNkNWFhOWM1ZWFjYmMzOjc6NTE5MTpmMzUyODEwOWEwYWY3MWYwMjk0YzY1NzkzMmY1MDNhNThlMjdiNDRmYmQ3NzNiNWRkZTRjZDc1OTA5ZmMwZjg2OnQ6VDpG

Website: https://wisconsinbuildingtrades.org/trade-talk-wisconsin/

Wisconsin Laborers' District Council

05/31/2026

As Mental Health Awareness Month comes to a close, we reflect on a sobering reality: 5,200 construction workers lost their lives to su***de in 2022.

While May spotlights mental health awareness, we recognize that supporting workers' wellbeing requires year-round commitment. When we discuss safety on job sites, we must address not only physical safeguards but mental and emotional health as well.

To our entire building trades family: Your strength isn't measured just by what you can lift or build, but by reaching out when you need support. We're committed to creating a culture where talking about mental health is as normal as discussing proper safety protocols and equipment use.

Together, we build the infrastructure that stands strong - let's make sure we do the same for each other

05/28/2026

Working people need a seat at the table.

In this clip from Trade Talk Wisconsin, Andy Buck of IUPAT DC7 discusses Winnebago County’s responsible bidding ordinance and why local decision-making matters for workers, contractors, and taxpayers.

Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/jYGfGjMNKjQ

Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2wFeHAlLNGaEZJkqfHhQRi?si=e0a924e9abbc43ac

Follow Trade Talk Wisconsin: https://open.spotify.com/show/5xaT60pw0Wzbz5rd1ivsQ6?si=bf955c1d83d74e38

05/25/2026

This Memorial Day, we pause to remember and honor the courageous men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. Their sacrifice protects the freedoms we enjoy every day in our communities.

05/22/2026

A critical issue in our industry for Mental Health Awareness Month is substance use.

More than 1 in 6 people aged 16 to 64 who died by overdose in the U.S. were construction workers. Behind each number is someone who worked alongside us, and someone who faced challenges that became overwhelming.

A resource available 24/7 to workers who are struggling is the SAMHSA's National Helpline (1-800-662-HELP), which offers a free, confidential, 24/7 treatment referral and information service in both English and Spanish for individuals dealing with substance use disorders.

05/18/2026

What keeps union leaders going?

For Andy Buck and Jeff Mehrhoff of IUPAT DC7 it comes back to helping people find a better opportunity.

In this clip from Trade Talk Wisconsin, Andy and Jeff talk about what fires them up after years in the trades: helping members, new members, and potential members see a path toward a better life through union apprenticeship and union work.

Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/jYGfGjMNKjQ

Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2wFeHAlLNGaEZJkqfHhQRi?si=e0a924e9abbc43ac

Follow Trade Talk Wisconsin: https://open.spotify.com/show/5xaT60pw0Wzbz5rd1ivsQ6?si=bf955c1d83d74e38

05/15/2026

May is Mental Health Awareness Month.

Now, more than ever, it’s important to break the stigma around mental health in the construction industry.

Unions are at the forefront of advocating for safer and healthier workplaces, and across the trades, we're committed to "No Member Left Behind”.

One of the primary resources for workers is Employee/Member Assistance Programs (EAP/MAP), which many workers have access to through their unions.
These programs can provide a range of mental health and substance abuse support services, including:

1. Confidential counseling services
2. Referrals to treatment facilities
3. Support during recovery
4. Information about insurance coverage for treatment

If you or someone you know is struggling, engage your local union to access a program and/or support provided in your area"

05/13/2026

What if Wisconsin’s construction workforce challenge is not just about finding workers?

In this clip from Trade Talk Wisconsin, Andy Buck of IUPAT DC7 explains why the finishing trades do not simply need more applicants. They need more contractors ready to put those workers on.

Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/jYGfGjMNKjQ

Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2wFeHAlLNGaEZJkqfHhQRi?si=e0a924e9abbc43ac

Follow Trade Talk Wisconsin: https://open.spotify.com/show/5xaT60pw0Wzbz5rd1ivsQ6?si=bf955c1d83d74e38

05/10/2026

Spring has sprung, and Episode 3 of Trade Talk Wisconsin has dropped. We’re talking finishing trades with Jeff Mehrhoff, Business Manager of IUPAT District Council 7, and Andy Buck, DC 7’s Director of Governmental Affairs.

From painters and drywall finishers to glaziers, paint makers, and sign and display workers, the finishing trades help bring Wisconsin projects across the finish line.
Jeff and Andy discuss apprenticeship, worker safety, misclassification, mental health, data centers, and what it takes to build a stronger construction workforce in Wisconsin.

Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/jYGfGjMNKjQ
Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2wFeHAlLNGaEZJkqfHhQRi...
Follow Trade Talk Wisconsin: https://open.spotify.com/show/5xaT60pw0Wzbz5rd1ivsQ6...
IUPAT DC7

Jeff Mehrhoff / Andy Buck - IUPAT DC 7