Slogans Vs. Action Plans

Partners in Progress is not just a slogan. It is a joint mission, a shared vision, based upon the realization that our futures are interdependent and that we are responsible for each other’s success. Indeed, we have determined through studies and surveys that chapters and Locals enjoy greater market performance where cooperative labor-management relations exist.

From the first Partners in Progress Conference in Orlando 18 years ago, to the latest conference in the same location, we have found cooperation, a shared vision, and an environment of trust and action strengthen our industry.

This issue of the magazine continues with coverage of topics raised during the 2018 Partners in Progress Conference. This month will emphasize workforce development and mental health, which are two of the biggest issues currently facing our industry. Our cover article talks about Youth Build Boston, which is a program that provides young people with the support and credentials to successfully enter the building trades.

Attracting more workforce is vital, but keeping our workforce goes beyond learning how to use tools on the job site or equipment in the shop. Workers in construction have the highest suicide rate of all occupational groups. We will cover Sally Spencer-Thomas’s session from the conference about ways to build resilience in our workforce, provide the means to identify workers who are struggling, and address mental health crises with compassion and empowerment.

It’s vital we don’t just consider the best practices discussed both at the conference and in this magazine as theoretical exercises. We need be realistic about where we are and where we want to be, evaluate previously developed best practices, build relationships, coordinate our efforts, commit to a plan, and deliver on our commitments.

A message from the 2002 Partners in Progress Conference still applies: “Our very survival depends on whether, together, we are willing to take a chance, to step outside the box, and try new things.”

Presentations and handouts from the 2018 Partners in Progress Conference are available at pinp.org/conferences/ pinp18/schedule. The website has been redesigned to make it more useful for you in your labor-management cooperation and marketing efforts.

While you are at pinp.org, register for credentials to enable full access to the increasing number of resources made available to SMART locals, SMACNA contractors and chapters, labormanagement cooperation trusts and committees, and training centers. Registration is free but limited to members.

As part of your efforts, take time to complete the State of SMART-SMACNA Labor-Management Cooperation Survey by Aug. 15. SMACNA and SMART’s Best Practices Market Expansion Task Force is continuing to identify, promote, communicate, and support industry best practices.

The task force annually conducts this survey to pinpoint which areas around North America have established labor-management cooperation organizations, determine the perceived value of labor-management cooperation, and find success stories. It is available at surveymonkey.com/r/YCBLH8L and via Partners in Progress at pinp.org. Results will be shared only in aggregate in SMACNA, SMART, and joint publications. •