One Voice, One Goal:
Setting aside differences to lobby for the greater good. By Natalie Bruckner Chistopher Walker, executive vice president with CAL SMACNA, and Dion Abril, executive administrator for SMART Western States Council, promoted the sale of school bonds together on the steps of the State Capitol. Photo courtesy of CAL SMACNA.
There’s an old saying that goes, “If you don’t like how the table is set, turn over the table.” In many ways this perfectly sums up the role of lobbying. While the term “lobbying” may conjure some negative connotations, there’s no denying that lobbying for good can make a substantive, positive difference to industry and people. “Lobbying has resulted in a number of positive changes to our industry,” explains Michael Coleman, business manager and president of Local 33. “We successfully stopped the Right-towork legislation, successfully stopped the repeal for Prevailing Wage law that effectively removes labor wages and benefits from the competitive bidding process on public works projects, and stopped an energy bill that would have relaxed the standards for energy efficiency. We were able to pass a Contractor Licensing bill that made it harder for people to do work who didn’t have the appropriate licenses, and probably the biggest success is the Fire Life Safety legislation.” Indeed, the Fire Life Safety legislation (SB 143) is a perfect example of how effective lobbying can make such a profound change that it could effectively save lives. SB 143, signed by Governor Michelle Lujan-Grisham earlier this year, makes New Mexico the first state in the nation to ensure that fire and smoke dampers and smoke control systems are properly tested and inspected in accordance with National Fire Protection Association standards. 8 » Partners in Progress » www.pinp.org
Making these kinds of changes at the government level isn’t easy. When individuals and groups don’t agree on everything, lobbying can be challenging because it requires everyone to be on the same page and present a united front. “The key is not to get bogged down in the small things and instead keep your eyes on the horizon and work together,” says Christopher Walker, executive vice president for CAL SMACNA. “It is too easy to swerve off our objectives by the few things we may not agree on. We cannot let them get in the way of our focus.” Dion Abril, executive administrator for SMART Western States Council, agrees with Walker, and says ironing out any creases before going in front of lawmakers is essential. “Because I am not involved in any labor-management negotiations, I can use that to our benefit.” When Abril attends union meetings he observes the room and can see when something isn’t popular just by the reactions on people’s faces. “It just takes some emotional intelligence,” he says. “If we don’t sort this out before we attend city council meetings or present in front of the Energy Commission, they will see this, too. It shows our cards. We need to ensure we come together as one to effect change at the higher level.”
