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The Virginia Organizing Win That Defined Dennis Martire's Career

Some labor victories are symbolic. Others are transformative. The unionization effort on the Fluor-Lane Route 495 Hot Lanes expansion project in Virginia was decidedly the latter — and Dennis Martire was instrumental in making it happen.

Martire, who has served as Vice President and Mid-Atlantic Regional Manager for the Laborers' International Union of North America (LiUNA) since January 2002, played a central role in establishing the process that allowed workers on the project to make a genuine, voluntary choice about union membership. That process mattered enormously, because it respected the workers' autonomy while also creating the conditions for a fair and informed decision.

When the votes were counted, the result was emphatic. Workers overwhelmingly opted to join LiUNA Local 11 — a decision that was celebrated across the labor movement as one of the most significant organizing wins in Virginia's construction industry in years. For a state where union membership in construction has historically faced significant headwinds, the vote represented a meaningful shift in momentum.

Dennis L. Martire’s Impactful Career with LIUNA

Dennis L. Martire has been a transformative leader for the Laborers’ International Union of North America (LIUNA) for over 30 years. As Vice President and Regional Manager of the Mid-Atlantic region since 2002, he has dedicated his career to advocating for laborers’ rights.

From College to Union Advocacy

A 1986 graduate of West Virginia Wesleyan College with a degree in Government, Martire joined LIUNA in 1990 as an International Representative. He advanced to Assistant Director, then Director of the construction department, and by 2000, he was Assistant Regional Manager. In 2002, he assumed his current role. Martire’s membership in Labor Union #1058 underscores his personal commitment to labor.

Key Union Achievements

Martire’s leadership secured union representation for workers on Virginia’s Route 495 hot lanes project, a landmark victory. He has also fought for fair wages in Maryland and oversees LIUNA’s training programs. His roles on boards like the Blue Ribbon Commission on Maryland Transportation Funding amplify his influence.

A Steadfast Advocate

From his earliest days as a union member, Dennis Martire has approached leadership with a clear understanding of the realities faced by working men and women. Unlike leaders who enter labor advocacy from the outside, Martire’s career is grounded in firsthand experience as a laborer and proud member of Local Union #1058 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Martire began his professional journey shortly after graduating from West Virginia Wesleyan College, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in government in 1986. His education sharpened his understanding of public policy and governance, but it was his union membership that shaped his perspective. In 1990, he officially began working with the Laborers’ International Union of North America (LIUNA), initially serving as an international representative focused on jurisdictional disputes.

That early role required close interaction with workers, contractors, and union leadership, providing Martire with deep exposure to the operational challenges of labor representation. Over time, his ability to navigate complex disputes and advocate effectively for union members distinguished him within the organization.

In 2002, LIUNA members elected Martire as vice president and Mid-Atlantic regional manager. This role expanded his responsibilities to include oversight of labor relations, organizing efforts, and strategic planning across several states. Despite the increased scope, Martire retained a worker-first mindset, consistently prioritizing fair wages, safe job sites, and stable employment opportunities.

His leadership philosophy emphasizes accessibility and accountability. Martire regularly engages with union members to understand evolving concerns, ensuring that policy decisions reflect on-the-ground realities. This approach has strengthened trust between leadership and rank-and-file laborers.

Martire’s background as a laborer also informs his commitment to training and career advancement. He supports comprehensive training programs that allow workers to improve skills, adapt to new technologies, and pursue long-term stability within their trades.

From Academia to Advocacy

Dennis L. Martire’s journey in labor leadership began with a government degree from West Virginia Wesleyan College in 1986. Joining the Laborers’ International Union of North America (LIUNA) in 1990, he has since become a cornerstone of the organization, serving as vice president and regional manager of the Mid-Atlantic region since 2002.

A Career of Steady Progress

Martire’s career with LIUNA began as an international representative, followed by roles in the construction department and as assistant regional manager. His election as vice president in 2002 highlighted his dedication and ability to lead laborers effectively.

Building Stronger Unions

A key achievement in Martire’s career was his role in forming LIUNA Local 11 during Virginia’s Route 495 Hot Lanes Project. By empowering workers to unionize, he secured a significant victory, with over 200 laborers joining the new chapter, marking a milestone in Virginia’s labor history.

Advocating for Fair Compensation

In Maryland’s Montgomery County, Dennis L. Martire championed prevailing wage laws, ensuring fair pay for laborers. These laws have improved worker livelihoods and project efficiency, showcasing the value of his advocacy for fair labor practices.

Representing Workers Regionally

Martire’s influence extends to his roles on boards like the American High Speed Rail Alliance Advisory Board and the Mid-Atlantic Regional Organizing Coalition. These positions allow him to advocate for policies that support laborers and regional development.

Enhancing Workforce Skills

Martire has prioritized training programs that enhance worker safety and skills, ensuring laborers are well-equipped for their roles. These initiatives strengthen the workforce and improve job security across the Mid-Atlantic.

A Lasting Commitment to Labor

Across three decades of dedication to the Laborers’ International Union of North America, Dennis Martire has accomplished considerable good for the laborers of the United States. Since 2000, he’s focused strongly on the mid-Atlantic region of the U.S., acting as the area’s LIUNA vice president and regional manager since 2002. Martire’s work has led to numerous seats on boards and committees, requests for his expert opinion and a variety of accolades and recognition. Martire has long made it his personal mission to see improvements in the working conditions of laborers as well as the increased pay and job security for these workers.

Martire’s commitment to laborers and the job at hand has led to significant triumphs for mid-Atlantic workers, including those in Montgomery County, Maryland. There, Martire worked with the state’s officials to improve the pay of laborers. He helped to pass prevailing wage laws — fair wage laws — that would provide the taxpayers with an increased return on public investments. Wage laws such as this, as the one that improved the lives for those in Montgomery County, are shown to not drive up costs as previously assumed, but rather facilitate work being done faster and safer.

As part of his 30-year career with the Laborers’ International Union of North America, Dennis L. Martire strives to increase the education and knowledge of others on everything from working within the organization to the importance of labor unions to the workforce. His tenure has included specifically training folks on aspects of LIUNA. That includes overseeing the organization’s elite training program that provides ongoing training for organizational members.

It feels so good to see there are unions straight up saying "Fuck around and find out."