In an ever-changing, turbulent construction market, ABC is your safe harbor! Founded in 1950 on the merit shop philosophy, today we're the nation's leading construction trade association - with over 24,000 member companies and 79 chapters! ABC is the only association that services the entire construction channel , from associates to contractors to suppliers.

We are united, united in efforts to find more competitive and efficient ways to do business, newer and better ways to perform on construction contracts and important and practical ways to provide benefits for the contractor's most important asset, the employees.

ABC is not, and never has been, “anti-union”. ABC is about helping an employer find ways to deal fairly and positively with their workers. ABC is fully aware that unions are not needed when an employer deals fairly with workers. ABC does their best to educate all of the ABC membership in the need for great programs for workers.

ABC does stand for the employer's right to fire a worker for poor performance. We believe in the “Merit Shop” principle, that a worker keeps their job and earns increased pay through good performance. We believe that a contractor earns the work that they receive through quality, on-time, within budget contract performance.

ABC does not support the theory that a contractor should receive a project based on political affiliation. ABC does not support the advancement or continued employment of workers who do not give a day's work for a day's pay. Both employer and employee alike EARN what they get through the merits of their work. This is the Free Enterprise way.

ABC stands for a coalition of contractors, suppliers and associate business' who have pooled their talents, energies and resources toward improving the industry. They have developed excellent benefit programs for member’s employees. Many ABC members have wage and benefit packages in excess of what their fellow craftsmen are enjoying in the unionized sector.

Safety has been a priority of the Associated Builders & Contractors for many years and the association offers members and their workers some of the best safety programs in the industry.

In other words, contractors join ABC for several reasons: One, business development services including great contractor referral services; Two, for the nationally acclaimed Accredited Quality Contractor Program which identifies to the nation that they are a quality contractor; Three, for the National Directory and User’s Guide, a handy reference guide for clients and users who have projects they need built, all of which contributes to more work for the company.

Companies join ABC for the great benefits plans offered for employees, from group life and accident insurance, disability insurance, health plans, dental plans, prescription plans, vision care plans, payroll tax savings plans, to retirement and pension plans.

The purpose of the campaign is to communicate a positive message about the almost 80% of the contractor workforce we represent who are free market and free enterprise based.

The campaign has three essential messages: almost 80% of the contractor workforce in America is employed by Merit contractors; ABC is the association that represents this segment of the contractors; ABC is working to defend free enterprise principles in America and in Pennsylvania.

Our goal is to increase awareness that the vast majority of contractors in America and in Pennsylvania are Merit contractors who operate in the free market system. The campaign is designed to be ongoing and will eventually include messages regarding safety, craftsmanship and quality work performance issues as well. The campaign will also acquaint the public with discriminatory tactics designed to put Merit contractors out of work and increase the cost of construction to both the public and private sectors.

ABC operates by a simple set of principles, which are centered on free enterprise and free market competition. Simply put, Merit contractors such as those ABC represent, simply want a level playing field without barriers to competition. We believe that a competitive bid system should prevail in the acquisition of new construction work. In other words, let the most competitive contractor who qualifies compete for work without contrived or artificial influences.

ABC is recognized as one of the leading organizations representing America's business community and the U.S. construction industry.