NYC Building Trades Launch Peer Support Network to Support Mental Health in the Construction Industry

The Building & Construction Trades Council of Greater New York has announced the launch of the Building Trades Peer Support Network (BTPSN), an initiative designed to help address mental health challenges within New York City’s unionized construction workforce.

Developed in partnership with the The Worker Institute at Cornell and supported by the New York Building Foundation, the program aims to strengthen mental health awareness and provide peer-to-peer support across construction job sites throughout New York City.

The initiative reflects growing recognition across the industry that worker safety includes both physical and mental wellbeing.

Addressing Mental Health in the Construction Industry

Construction professionals face a range of pressures, including physically demanding work, long hours, jobsite risks, and fluctuations in project schedules and employment. Industry studies have shown that the construction workforce experiences higher rates of suicide compared to many other professions.

In response to these concerns, the Building Trades Peer Support Network seeks to establish a structured support system within the union construction workforce.

The program’s goal is to promote open conversations around mental health, reduce stigma, and connect workers with appropriate support resources when needed.

Training Peer Supporters Across the Building Trades

Through the BTPSN program, approximately 1,000 union construction workers are expected to receive training to serve as peer supporters across various trades and job sites.

These peer supporters will be trained to:

• Provide confidential peer-to-peer conversations and support
• Recognize signs of stress, anxiety, or emotional distress
• Conduct basic risk awareness during conversations
• Refer individuals to union Member Assistance Programs (MAP) or other appropriate support services

The program is designed to complement existing mental health resources already available through union benefit programs and industry support networks.

Collaboration Across Labor, Industry, and Education

The Building Trades Peer Support Network represents a collaboration between labor leadership, academic research, and industry organizations working together to address workforce wellbeing.

According to leadership from the Building Trades Council and partner organizations, the initiative aims to promote a culture where seeking help and supporting coworkers is viewed as an important part of maintaining a safe and healthy workforce.

Programs like this reflect the broader commitment of the building trades to ensure workers return home safely each day — both physically and mentally.

Supporting Worker Wellbeing Across the Union Labor Community

At ULANetwork.com, the mission of the Union Labor Advisory Network is to Support, Educate, and Promote Union Labor and our Communities.

Highlighting initiatives like the Building Trades Peer Support Network helps bring attention to programs that prioritize worker wellbeing and strengthen the union labor movement.

By sharing stories of leadership, innovation, and collaboration across the labor community, ULA Network works to raise awareness of the resources, opportunities, and support systems available to union members and their families.

As the construction industry continues to evolve, initiatives that promote both jobsite safety and mental health awareness play an important role in supporting the long-term wellbeing of workers across the trades.