The United Construction Workers Association (UCWA) was founded in 1970 by Tyree Scott (1940-2003), an electrician who had become a Seattle civil rights activist. The UCWA began with the goal of uniting minority construction workers to promote their employment in the construction industry and prevent discrimination. Because of union control over the local labor market, it was almost impossible for Black workers and Black contractors to benefit from government contracts. The UCWA negotiated on behalf of Black workers, led protests, initiated lawsuits, and organized worker support groups.

In this image Tyree Scott (left) and Sam Martinez, head of the Chicano division of the University of Washington Office of Minority Affairs, are arrested for trespassing at a Seattle Community College construction site. The four men intentionally provoked arrest to publicize their drive for more minority workers in the construction industry.

Caption information source: The Seattle Times, June 9, 1972, page 1
Caption information also derived from captions written by Post-Intelligencer staff and attached to the back of the photograph.