A major California housing reform passed with unexpected support from the Carpenters union, breaking from other construction unions that opposed the bill. Unlike the Trades Council, which insists on strict union labor standards, the Carpenters backed a more flexible approach to improve pay and conditions for non-union workers. Their stance has deepened divisions within organized labor and raised tensions over wage policies. Lawmakers credited the Carpenters with helping advance long-stalled housing efforts.
See "Why one California union sided with YIMBYs and developers on housing", Jeanne Kuang AND Ben Christopher, Cal Matters, July 10, 2025