Here’s the first thing you need to know about Cyndie Williams, the executive director of the Carpenter Contractor Trust — and a powerful advocate for union contractors and skilled union labor across the region.

She’s a carpenter by trade.

“I know what it feels like to be earning every penny made through physically grueling, mentally challenging work,” she said.

Williams also knows what it’s like to work your way up in an organization.

Williams, who assumed her current role in December 2021, joined the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America in 1999, completing a four-year apprenticeship before working her way up to journeyman status.

She’s never stopped learning — or helping others.

In 2006, Williams began teaching disadvantaged youth for the union’s Job Corps program before becoming an East Coast field coordinator.

Her leadership extends beyond career development. She is a relentless advocate for workers’ rights, fair wages and equitable workplaces — and for getting the word out.

She co-created the “Labor Lounge,” a podcast exploring organized labor through success stories and insights from union leaders, partners and community changemakers.

Williams, a graduate of Rutgers University, knows the ins and outs of any project. She feels that successful projects rely on partnerships built around quality work, safety, workforce development and community investment — and that unions have a huge role in all of it.

That’s why she is so eager to do what she does.

“I was taught through union apprenticeship at no cost to me,” she said. “It is an absolute sense of pride to work in advocacy in advancing this opportunity for others by connecting the lines between construction in communities and a thriving local economy.”

BINJE recently caught up with Williams to gain her insights on the importance of local hiring, why union labor consistently delivers the strongest value and how Project Labor Agreements, or PLAs, support both contractors and the communities they serve.

Here’s a look at the conversation, slightly edited for space and clarity.

BINJE: To get us started, tell us about the CCT and what your team has been doing.

Cyndie Williams: The CCT, or the Carpenter Contractor Trust, is a labor management trust for the Eastern Atlantic States carpenters union, which covers the state of New Jersey, five others and Washington, D.C.

We work to strengthen the relationships between union leadership and our skilled carpenters and tie those bonds with union signatory contractors. We market on behalf of the collective by hosting and attending events, expanding career opportunities and outreach, and promoting our curriculum at school counselor conferences. We also host open houses at our Technical Training Centers, and legislative events that connect us to decision-makers.

BINJE: The CCT seems to be taking on a lot of new projects. Anything you can tell us about?

CW: Yes, we’re taking on a lot, especially when it comes to data center construction and public education around why these builds matter. There’s been some pushback against data centers, and we’re working hard to set the record straight. These projects are critical infrastructure — supporting everything from remote learning to emergency services — and they need to be built responsibly.

We’re making the case for union-built data centers that create local jobs, follow strict safety and environmental standards and deliver real value to communities. CCT is focused on making sure people understand the stakes, and the benefits, of building them the right way.

BINJE: Speaking of ‘the right way,’ why are Project Labor Agreements so important to you personally, and what would you tell local contractors who are unsure about them?

CW: Project Labor Agreements set a level playing field. They guarantee fair wages and benefits, ensure that all workers — union or not — meet the same safety and training standards, and they open the door to real career opportunities through registered apprenticeship programs. For many people looking to enter the trades, that kind of access and structure can be life-changing.

To local contractors who may be unsure, I’d say this: PLAs are not about excluding anyone. They’re about raising the bar and making sure that projects are built to last — safely, on time and on budget. If you’re doing quality work and hiring skilled tradespeople, a PLA is a win for you, too. It removes uncertainty, prevents costly delays and provides access to a stable, trained workforce. That’s not a burden; that’s a competitive advantage.

BINJE: We can see that you are passionate about spreading the word. You also recently took on co-hosting duties for the Carpenter Contractor Trust’s new podcast. What excites you most about this project, and what can listeners expect?

CW: We are creating a pipeline to connect to industry partners who may not always be in tune with the benefits of a building union. We want to bring thought leaders together to make an impact on our local construction economies, by shedding light on issues that affect society and sharing stories of positive impact and growth.

BINJE: You also are passionate about building the next generation of workers. Throughout your career, you’ve emphasized mentorship and career growth. How does that translate into your current work supporting union apprenticeship programs?

CW: Mentorship is essential for creating an environment where people feel valued and connected in their career. Your typical white-collar office space spends countless amounts of money to attract and keep talent. Construction needs to have that same focus.

BINJE: How does your personal journey shape the way you view today’s challenges in the construction industry?

CW: I came from a household where there were no examples of people working in the trades. I want to allow all who are willing to perform this high-demand work to have access to learn about this career. I have made this a priority through the CCT — connecting with high schools and vocational schools.

Recruiting great candidates is critical to finding the next generation of talent. It helps so much that the EAS Carpenters Technical Training Centers offer college credit for hands-on learning, tied to on-the-job hours. Both Thomas Edison (State University) and Rowan University have partnered with our training programs to provide pathways to receive associate and bachelor’s degrees with aligned courses. That has impacted our ability to have talent-rich apprentices who are groomed for leadership roles within the industry. A total game-changer.

BINJE: Let’s turn back to you. Looking back, is there a particular experience or person who greatly influenced your commitment to strengthening local economies through union labor?

CW: I had the opportunity to study abroad and see the race to the bottom with wages and workforce. I met workers who were mistreated, paid extremely low wages and subjected to deplorable working conditions. It strengthened my passion for the economic structure of the American economy and maintaining standards that allow our economy to continue to thrive. With smart policy and by valuing the workforce, America can see the middle class come to shape again and have a second boom to industrialization. It takes smart policy choices and support of union workforces throughout all industries. 

BINJE: Final question: What’s the legacy you hope to leave through your work at the Carpenter Contractor Trust?

CW: The best way to leave a legacy is to convince folks that there is room to support others in a career that fits them best. One size does not fit all, and meaningful careers take many shapes and sizes. In construction, we want safe worksites, jobs for the future and opportunities to serve the communities where we work and live.  

For information about Carpenter Contractor Trust, go to cctmarketing.org.