What are Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC)?
The Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) is a national trade association representing more than 23,000 contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and construction-related firms across the United States. Founded in 1950 and headquartered in Washington, D.C., ABC is a member-driven organization built on the “merit shop” philosophy, which promotes free enterprise and open, fair competition in the construction industry.
Core Mission and Advocacy
ABC advocates for policies that provide a level playing field for all contractors, regardless of company size or union affiliation. Their primary focus includes:
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Legislative and Regulatory Advocacy: ABC engages in extensive lobbying at both federal and state levels to reduce regulatory burdens, support tax reform favorable to the industry, and address workforce shortages.
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Opposition to Anti-competitive Mandates: The organization actively opposes government-mandated Project Labor Agreements (PLAs), arguing that such mandates increase project costs and restrict open competition for taxpayer-funded contracts.
Services and Resources
To support the success and safety of its members, ABC provides a comprehensive suite of resources:
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Workforce Development: A significant portion of ABC’s mission involves workforce development, including the expansion of apprenticeship and craft training programs to ensure a skilled construction labor pool.
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Safety Programs: ABC offers data-driven safety management systems, such as the Safety Training Evaluation Process (STEP), as well as consulting and training services to help members improve their safety culture and compliance.
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Transportation and Logistics Support: Recognizing that the movement of materials and equipment is essential to construction, ABC works to ensure that transportation policies do not create unnecessary obstacles. This includes providing member resources such as driver training and safety guidelines for the transport of construction materials and hazardous goods.
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Networking and Business Growth: Through 69 chapters nationwide, ABC facilitates peer-to-peer networking, mentorship programs, and business consulting services that help firms improve their operational profitability and industry competitiveness.
