The Governing Board of Presidents of the Building and Construction Trades Department of the AFL-CIO voted to adopt changes to its jurisdictional policies. The most significant change provides for a mechanism that considers “area practice” as a major determining factor in dispute resolution.

The resolution of jurisdictional disputes between construction trade unions has long been a source of concern. Under the old criteria, decisions of record dating back to the early 1900s were given the heaviest weight in jurisdictional hearings, said Building Trades President Edward C. Sullivan. Under the new policies, decisions of record may be challenged citing area practice by an affected union.