5 Critical Updates On Excavators Union Local 731 New York: Wage Rates, Leadership, And 2025 Outlook
The Excavators Union Local 731, a foundational pillar of New York City's heavy construction and civil infrastructure, remains one of the most powerful and influential labor organizations in the metropolitan area. As of late December 2025, the union, officially known as the Building, Concrete, Excavating & Common Laborers' Local Union 731, is navigating a period of significant growth and change, marked by new collective bargaining agreements, major infrastructure project participation, and a renewed focus on safety and apprenticeship training.
This article provides an in-depth look at the most current and critical updates for Local 731 members, industry partners, and those interested in joining the ranks of skilled New York City laborers. From the latest 2024–2025 wage rates established with the General Contractors Association (GCA) to the influential leadership steering the union, the following details are essential for understanding the current landscape of heavy construction in the five boroughs.
Key Leadership and Union Profile: Excavators Local 731
Laborers’ Local 731 is headquartered in Astoria, New York, and operates under the umbrella of the Laborers' International Union of North America (LIUNA). The union represents thousands of skilled construction laborers specializing in excavation, concrete work, and heavy civil projects across the New York metropolitan area. Their work is vital to the city’s most ambitious infrastructure endeavors, including subway expansions, bridge repairs, and major resiliency projects.
Biography of Business Manager Carmine D'amato
- Name: Carmine D'amato
- Primary Title: Business Manager / Field Representative, Laborers' Local 731
- Union Affiliation: Laborers' International Union of North America (LIUNA)
- Base of Operations: Astoria, NY
- Influence: Recognized as a key figure in New York's labor movement, D'amato was notably included in the prestigious City & State New York Labor Power 100 list for 2024, underscoring his significant influence on construction policy and union affairs across the city.
- Compensation Snapshot (2024): As a testament to the union's robust financial standing and the responsibilities of his role, D'amato’s total reported compensation as Business Manager/Field Rep was approximately $412,941.
- Focus: D'amato's leadership is centered on securing high-level Project Labor Agreements (PLA), ensuring competitive wage and benefit packages, and advocating fiercely for member safety on high-risk sites.
The 2024–2025 Local 731 Wage and Benefit Structure
One of the most significant and recent updates for members is the establishment of the new wage rates under the collective bargaining agreement between Local 731 and the General Contractors Association (GCA/L 731 Rates). These rates are in effect from July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025, providing a clear financial roadmap for members over the coming year.
Specific Compensation Details for 2024–2025
- Contract Period: July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025.
- Overtime Rate: Time and one-half is paid for all hours worked beyond the standard eight-hour workday. Double time is mandated for work performed on Sundays and designated holidays.
- Sub-Foreman Premium: Sub-Foremen in Local 731 receive a premium rate calculated at 5% over the Journeyman Level Base Wage, acknowledging their increased responsibility on the job site.
- Supplemental Rate: In addition to the base hourly wage, a Supplemental Rate for Local #731 is set at a substantial $54.03 per hour, which contributes significantly to the overall compensation package.
The overall salary range for Excavators Union Local 731 Inc. members is highly competitive, typically ranging from $94,054 to $123,171 annually, reflecting the diverse roles and experience levels within the union's specialized trades.
Apprenticeship and Training: Building the Next Generation of NYC Excavators
The future strength of Local 731 depends heavily on its Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (JATC). The union is actively recruiting and training new members, ensuring a pipeline of highly skilled laborers for New York’s demanding construction environment. This focus on training is a key entity in maintaining the union’s high standards.
Current Apprenticeship Recruitment and Structure
The JATC for Laborers’ Local Union #731 announced a significant recruitment drive starting in the summer of 2024. This initiative is crucial for individuals looking to enter the heavy construction industry through a structured, high-paying union career.
- Training Facility Address: The Local 731 Training Fund is located at 34-11/19 35th Avenue, Astoria, NY 11106.
- Apprenticeship Coordinator: James Nethaway oversees the rigorous training curriculum.
- Apprentice Wage Rate: Apprentices begin earning immediately, with their hourly wage rate set at 90% of the Journeyperson’s rate, plus the full Supplemental Rate, making it a lucrative start to a career.
The training curriculum goes beyond basic labor skills, offering specialized courses designed to meet the unique regulatory and safety requirements of New York City construction. Courses include preparation for the Fire Department of New York’s (FDNY) Certificate of Fitness tests, ensuring members are compliant and ready for any job site challenge.
Safety and High-Profile NYC Projects
Local 731 members are the backbone of New York’s most challenging and high-stakes projects, often involving deep excavation, tunneling, and civil infrastructure work. The union's involvement is critical in projects related to the NYC Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and major resiliency efforts.
Involvement in Major Civil and Heavy Construction
Laborers’ Local 731 specializes in Civil and Heavy Construction across all five boroughs of New York City. This scope of work includes essential infrastructure like mass transit systems, water and sewer lines, bridge and tunnel reconstruction, and major earthwork operations.
A notable example of their recent work is the East Side Coastal Resiliency (ESCR) project, a massive undertaking designed to protect Manhattan’s low-lying areas from coastal flooding and climate change impacts. The union's expertise in excavation and concrete work is indispensable for these complex, long-term public works initiatives.
The Ongoing Focus on Workplace Safety
The nature of excavation and heavy civil work inherently carries risks, making safety a paramount concern for the union's leadership. Local 731 has been tragically impacted by work zone fatalities, including a violent death of a member and a devastating trench collapse at JFK Airport that claimed the lives of two Excavators Local 731 members.
These incidents underscore the union's relentless advocacy for stringent safety protocols, proper training, and accountability on job sites. The Training Fund’s continuous education programs are heavily focused on hazard recognition, OSHA compliance, and trench safety, aiming to prevent future tragedies and protect its skilled workforce. The union is a key partner with organizations like the General Contractors Association (GCA) to enforce safety standards across the industry.
Topical Authority and Related Entities
The influence of Local 731 extends far beyond the job site. As a core part of the Laborers' International Union of North America (LIUNA), the union plays a role in national labor policy and local political action. Key entities and concepts related to Local 731 that establish its topical authority include:
- LIUNA (Laborers' International Union of North America): The parent union providing national support and resources.
- GCA (General Contractors Association of New York, Inc.): The primary negotiating partner for collective bargaining agreements, including the 2024–2025 wage rates.
- Welfare, Pension, and Annuity Funds: The comprehensive benefits funds managed for the exclusive use of Local 731 members and their families, ensuring long-term financial security.
- Project Labor Agreements (PLAs): The mechanism through which Local 731 secures work on major public projects, such as the NYC Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) renovation projects.
- Astoria, NY: The historic home base for the union’s offices and training facilities.
By focusing on competitive compensation, rigorous safety standards, and a robust apprenticeship program, the Excavators Union Local 731 New York continues to solidify its status as a vital force in the construction of modern New York City. The updates for 2024–2025 demonstrate a union that is financially strong, politically influential, and deeply committed to the welfare and professional development of its members.
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