Reciprocal Agreements

Money Follows the Carpenter

Employers must report hours and remit contributions to whichever trust office has jurisdiction over the job site. With a Reciprocal Agreement in place, benefit contributions can be transferred to the appropriate trusts so "money follows the carpenter."

  • If the employee belongs to Northwest Carpenters Trusts but is working in another jurisdiction, he or she must complete an Authorization to Transfer Fringe Benefits. This form allows Northwest Carpenters Trusts to accept contributions originally remitted to another trust.
    • We will accept Health and Security and Retirement contributions only on behalf of that employee.
    • All other benefits should be remitted to the trust office with jurisdiction over the jobsite.
    • 401(k) contributions may not be reported under the Reciprocal Agreement. Please do not make the applicable wage deferral or deduction until the employee resumes working in the jurisdiction of his or her home trust.
  • If the employee belongs to another trust but is working in the jurisdiction of Northwest Carpenters Trusts, the employee’s Health and Security and Retirement benefits should be remitted to the employee’s home trust. All other benefits should be remitted to Northwest Carpenters Trusts.

  • If the employee is covered by the UBCJA International Agreement List, employers have the option of reporting health and retirement directly to your employee’s home trust at home trust rates.