Established in 1958, the NYS Building & Construction Trades Council currently represents over 220,000 unionized construction workers in New York State.

Our 16 local building trades council, 12 district councils and state associations and 135 local unions represent the trades that build our roads, bridges, schools and office buildings.  Believing that every worker deserves a fair wage and safe working conditions, our mission is to protect and further these basic privileges.

Edward J. Malloy

Memorial Leadership Award

in 2013

To say that Ed Malloy made significant contributions to the labor movement over the course of his 20 years as President of the State Building Trades would be an understatement.   Whether he was staging large-scale labor rallies or low-key business meetings, Ed’s primary concern was to protect the members and do whatever necessary to keep them working. To that end, he pioneered the use of public sector PLAs in New York State, beginning with the Tappan Zee Bridge project in 1994.   He was relentless when it came to public infrastructure investment, and he constantly sought new and creative ways to create jobs and fund projects.

What really characterized Ed’s tenure, however, was his ability to tackle problems effectively.  Sometimes this meant making a difficult decision, and sometimes it meant making no decision at all, believing time would be the best remedy.  From politics to internal affairs, Ed’s choices were guided by his heart without ever losing sight of the struggles fought by those before him, and these core values guided his every move.  While his approach sometimes turned heads, the wisdom of his decisions was often appreciated months or years later, when the benefit of hindsight afforded others a clearer picture.   And that is the legacy of a true leader. We expect politicians and business leaders to adhere to these same principles.  We expect them to support the Trades and make decisions wit their hearts - to do the right thing - even when doing so creates controversy.  Those courageous enough to take a stand should be recognized.

The Edward J. Malloy Memorial Leadership Award, established in 2013, is presented on an annual basis to a political, civil, or business leader who best exemplifies Ed’s vision of leadership.

On April 23, 2013, in front of a standing-room only crowd, Senator Charles Schumer became the first recipient of this award.  The award was presented to Senator Schumer during the State Council's annual Legislative Breakfast held in Washington, D.C.