Airbnb is now making it even easier for its members to open their homes to guests all over the United States. Last week, the short-term rental company announced its plans to partner with the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America (UBC) to create more jobs for union members and leverage its impact.
As one of North America’s largest building trade unions serving more than 500,000 members, UBC boasts a cadre of talented construction experts who are skilled in carpentry, interior systems, flooring, millwork, and more. Under the agreement, Airbnb investment in real estate development projects will allow for the hiring of UBC contractors to perform the labor associated with those projects. The Airbnb partnership will enable union workers to use their expertise to assist Airbnb hosts with vital repairs and upgrades that facilitate home readiness for short-term rental.
“Airbnb’s business model helps travelers to save money, enables local hosts to earn significant income, and increasingly provides much-needed tax revenue to cities. Our platform is creating opportunities for organized labor too — not only are many union households hosts on Airbnb, but also Airbnb will now be directly creating work for union carpenters.”
UBC General Vice President Frank Spencer echoed that sentiment, issuing a statement that read, in part:
“Our members have the skills, training, and professionalism that Airbnb can rely on in their initiative to provide more affordable rental opportunities for residents.”
The new partnership represents a win-win situation for union members and Airbnb customers, both of whom can reap the benefits of the fast-growing hospitality industry.
