:: rawblogXport ::

:: Friday, July 02, 2004 ::

A Fresh Approach To Union Projects By Sherie Winston, McGraw-Hill Construction
An unusual industry coalition tackles extended overtime, work disruptions and other issues

“It will take a lot of work,” admits Douglas J. McCarron, general president of the carpenters’ union. But McCarron calls the tripartite initiative “the most important thing the building trades has done since the mid-1970s.” Elevating the importance of the recommendations could be key to changing the way business is done. “It can’t just be talk,” McCarron says. “If this doesn’t work, it will be a black eye for the building trades.”

For decades, jurisdictional disputes have been problematic within the building trades. Previous attempts to resolve those differences have made little, if any, progress. But vocal owner displeasure with work disruptions may have sounded the proper alarm.

Joseph J. Hunt, general president of the ironworkers’ union, agrees that the presence of owners in discussions typically held between unions and contractors was key. When owners insist that jurisdictional disputes be worked out ahead of a project... (page 2)...if a union wants to participate on that job, “that’s kind of a wake up call for us,” says Hunt. The ironworkers have already begun updating their agreements with sheet metal workers, boilermakers and electricians. All of the unions are expected to update their agreements. Individual workers will be expected to sign a declaration prohibiting disruptions.

posted 6:25 AM :: reference link :: 0 comments ::

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