The Southern Regional Council of Carpenters represents workers across the South in a variety of industries. Carpentry is more than building construction. In Nashville, TN, sits a warehouse operated by George P Johnson Experience Marketing (GPJ).
This union shop builds sets for trade shows and conventions, with our members working on everything from building cabinets to metal fabrication and large marketing displays.
Journey-level Carpenter and union steward for GPJ, Kelvin Howell, got his start with the UBC in 1985 after leaving the military. He found a flyer for an apprenticeship program in the building he was living in and decided to join. This led to an apprenticeship building high-rises around Chicago, and Howell progressed in his career beyond the program.
In 2018, his family moved to Nashville, and he was hired by GPJ, where he continues working as a union carpenter, along with serving as the union steward for Carpenters Local 223.
“The union is great. I would not have it no other way,” Howell said.
When asked why he believes GPJ employs union carpenters, Howell noted the skill and quality of work from union carpenters employed by the shop: “I notice that most union workers get the job done in a certain time. So, we always make that deadline.”
While union membership is entirely voluntary, especially in States across the South where “right-to-work” laws are prevalent, the SRCC represents all employees in a bargaining unit, including non-members.
It is shops like these with members who are passionate about their work that show what is possible through collective power. The SRCC is proud to represent these workers and will continue to fight to provide great wages, benefits, and training for workers in organizations across all industries and States in the South.