On Sunday, April 8, Mark Ayers, International President of the National Building and Construction Trades Department passed away suddenly from natural causes. Daniel Villao released a statement:
“Mark Ayers was a shining light in the US Labor movement and his loss will be felt by all those who care about working families. President Ayers had a vision to make the industry stronger, better and available to all who are willing to work. His work shines through in the collaborative policy and practice of the national construction unions and their contracting partners.
It was his goal to make sure the construction industry operated effectively, and he worked tirelessly to ensure that construction purchasers kept the trades accountable. He also moved the organized construction industry to play a leading role in creating access to careers through quality training. He embraced innovative and inclusive policies that benefit local communities, like community workforce agreements, which provide access to construction jobs for disadvantaged workers, and the multi-craft core curriculum, which helps prepare workers to enter apprenticeship.
President Ayers’s work set the tone for construction industry’s growing future. Along with our friends we grieve his loss, but understand his spirit is embodied in the work we continue. The families and communities who we serve will benefit from his efforts for generations to come.”
View a tribute video to Mark Ayers that the National Building and Construction Trades Department released.
