February 2026 - Council's Corner

The Des Moines Construction Council sees a growing need for signatory contractors, regardless of their trade, to have an outlet to share information and learn more about the challenges of managing not only collective bargaining agreements, but also the many aspects that union contractors face. Though the trades are different, there is a commonality amongst signatory contractors that DMCC hopes to serve.

DMCC Quarterly Business Meeting Scheduled.

Mark Your Calendars!

Our next quarterly business meeting will be held on March 24, 2026, from 3:00-5:00PM at ELEVATE Business and Events Center (MBI Headquarters). We have invited the Carpenter’s representative to discuss the recent merger. Please bring your co-workers as all DMCC members are invited to attend! If you can join us, please RSVP HERE.

Contract Expiration News

Boilermakers, Ironshipbuilders, Blacksmiths #83: Recently re-upped a new 3-year agreement that will run until 12/31/2028

Bricklayers #3: 4/30/2026

Built By Pro’s Continues to Connect Iowans to the Trades!

The Built By Pro’s effort continues to make a difference in local workforce recruitment efforts averaging about 1 new referral per week from either traditional or non-traditional students. They typically come to us from the website and then we pair them up with the local union of their interest. It’s really a fun exercise to see the excitement in the trades and believe this will be a lasting partnership that makes a difference in moving the needle. Our 2026 Built By Pro’s marketing plan is in full motion including a presence at local high schools in Central Iowa, a presence at the ICUBS stadium this summer and several other initiatives. Help us spread the word!

The United Brotherhood of Carpenters

Key 2025-2026 Changes

The United Brotherhood of Carpenters (UBC) is undergoing major restructuring in 2025–2026, featuring the merger of various regional councils and locals—such as in the Midwest and South—to increase bargaining power. Key 2025-2026 changes include the consolidation of health/pension funds and mergers in the Central South, Iowa, and Nebraska. Read the letter from Kevin McLaughlin HERE.

WHOTV 13: Iowa community colleges

struggle to fill need for trade teachers

A Department of Education report shows a shortage of trade teachers around the country, and it’s affecting schools in Iowa.

Institutions like Des Moines Area Community College are experiencing more interest in the trades, and they need more teachers and instructors to meet the demand.

School leaders say that misconceptions about the trades have been broken down in recent years, leading to more students gaining those skills and then entering the workforce.

Iowans protest bill that would remove community IDs

But finding instructors can be a challenge, especially considering factors like the pay differences between teaching and the pay of a trade itself.

To address this, DMACC offers flexibility for its instructors. Some teach while still working in their trade or running their business, which allows them to keep their skills and knowledge fresh while enjoying the benefits of teaching.

DMACC Executive Academic Dean for Manufacturing, Engineering, Trades, and Transportation Jenny Foster, says, “It’s a great job, it’s very fulfilling. It is tough work, but you’re coming, you’re working with students, you have a cohort of students you work with, you’re developing relationships with your colleagues, you’re meeting community demands. Everything that we do needs tradespeople. The bridges we drive over, the roads, our cars, we need them.”

Foster notes that some make the decision to change to teaching full-time because they find it so rewarding. Others appreciate the consistency offered by teaching. “The schedule at a community college or other school is very set,” explains Foster. “Some of the work outside in the trades is not as set. Maybe you’re working outside or you’re on call. My husband, he’s an electrician, he got on call last night. And so he left and was gone for three hours and then came back. I swear I’m never calling an instructor and having them come in at eight o’clock because the power is out of a building.”

DMACC officials say they’re about to post several trade teacher positions in the coming weeks, and they hope to find people with a thorough knowledge of their subject area, along with a willingness to teach.