Support projects that use local union labor—and know which ones don’t.
The Livingston & McLean County Building Trades are committed to quality work, fair wages, and safe job sites built by skilled local union workers. Our “Do Not Patronize” list identifies contractors who choose not to use union labor, so you can make informed decisions. When you see the rat, it’s a clear signal—standards are being compromised. Choose responsibly built projects that keep jobs local, protect workers, and strengthen our communities.
It’s a resource highlighting contractors and businesses who do not use union labor, helping the public make informed choices about where they support and invest their dollars.
Union contractors prioritize trained skilled labor, safe job sites, fair wages, and strong benefits that support local workers and families.
The rat is a long-standing symbol used in the labor movement to identify contractors who undermine union standards and working conditions.
It keeps quality work local, strengthens apprenticeship programs, protects safety standards, and ensures working families earn fair wages.
Companies are identified based on their labor practices, including refusal to sign union agreements or consistently using non-union labor on projects.
The Normal Marriott was remodeled using out-of-state workers who were lodged in the hotel, with no signatory contractors or local workforce.
Please do not book conferences or stays at this hotel.
Dave’s Hot Chicken opened on October 3, 2025, at 200 Greenbriar Drive, Normal. The restaurant did not use area signatory contractors, and the Livingston & McLean Counties Building & Construction Trades Council is asking people not to patronize.
Catalyst Construction is a design-build firm that frequently uses non-signatory contractors and employs out-of-town workers.
If forced by a user or a legal ruling, Catalyst will use local union-skilled trades workers. The recommendation is to approach this firm with caution, and, if doing business, insist on local hire of signatory union subcontractors and workers to ensure the highest quality for the user.