The Metal Trades Department, AFL-CIO (MTD) is a department of the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations that represents workers in the metal and shipbuilding trades. It coordinates the activities of affiliated unions in industries such as shipbuilding, fabrication, welding, and related crafts, advocating for strong labor standards, collective bargaining rights, and workforce development.
The organization typically advocates for pro-labor policies including collective bargaining protections, prevailing wage laws, workplace safety standards, project labor agreements, domestic manufacturing and shipbuilding investment, worker training and apprenticeship programs, and retirement and healthcare benefits for union members.
Funded primarily through per capita dues and contributions from affiliated national and international unions.
Affiliated with the AFL-CIO and composed of multiple national and international metal trade unions, including unions representing boilermakers, ironworkers, machinists, electricians, and shipyard workers.
labor union federation