CREATE AND PROMOTE A LASTING PARTNERSHIP

Don't let differences of opinion define your labor-management relationship. Instead, put your cooperative relationship front and center.

When differing perspectives on an important issue divide labor and management, it is human nature (and far too easy) to let those differences negatively impact the partnership. It takes a lot of practice and patience to prevent that from happening or to get the partnership back on track if division does occur. Those in the sheet metal industry who have the strongest labor-management partnerships and can endure setbacks have something in common. They make sure that their partnership is constantly visible to their respective members.

At the national level, SMACNA and SMART do just that. Partners in Progress is sent to all members of both organizations to reinforce the message that labor and management will have the most impact improving the industry if they work together. Additionally, SMACNA and SMART do not limit the message to highlighting the good work of union and contractor representatives. They bring attention to the critical role of jointly funded organizations—including ITI, NEMI, and SMOHIT—in strengthening the union sheet metal industry.

Our lead article (page 4) focuses on a collaboration between the A. Zahner Company, Local 9, SMACNA Colorado, and ITI. It examines their work on a unique architectural project that required training in rigging and other skills to ensure that sheet metal workers can work safely in diverse environments. This is a great example of ITI leaping into action to provide the specific training required to restore an iconic chapel and secure market share for our industry.

Similarly, “Soldering Training for Local 80” (page 7) describes the essential role the ITI played in certifying 23 sheet metal workers. Soldering skills are critical for high profile architectural projects that will be visible in Detroit for decades. This story reminds SMACNA and SMART members that the ITI has resources and talented staff to provide specific or niche training, as required. This helps contractors bid work that they previously could not, and it augments the workforce’s skill set, making signatory sheet metal workers more proficient and marketable.

Need another reason that unions and contractors benefit from a good labor-management partnership? How about business longevity? SMACNA’s 2022 Contractor of the Year, Jack Knox, attributes collaboration with labor as a key to his family business’s success for over 100 years. Local 85 Business Manager Steve Langley agrees, noting that the Local’s success is tied to its partnerships with contractors like Jack. See page 10 for more insight.

SMART and SMACNA continue to demonstrate how they keep strong labor-management partnerships in front of their members. We encourage Locals, SMACNA chapters, and contractors to follow their lead and prioritize the creation and promotion of strong local partnerships that will endure and improve the industry and all in it. See page 12 for ideas.

Social media is a great way for contractors to increase sales and work opportunities. The challenge is knowing what to post and which social media sites will be most effective. “Social Media Gives Air Conditioning a Spike” (page 14) provides advice and a real-life example of how a simple post about a window air conditioning unit went viral.

Some may question—in the wake of the “The Great Resignation” and among general labor shortages—whether loyalty is a thing of the past. We sure hope that is not the case. But if you are in an area investing substantial resources to recruit and retain a stable workforce, turn to page 15 for advice from a construction industry leadership coach on generating loyalty in your members.

This edition’s “My Journey” (page 17) follows Aldo Zambetti’s career path from sheet metal worker to training coordinator to his current position as administrator at SMOHIT. Aldo describes how safety in the sheet metal industry is no longer limited to personal safety on the jobsite. It has evolved to encompass mental health, and Aldo emphasizes that in addition to SMOHIT, it takes the work of fellow employees, Locals, and contractors to lower suicide rates and help employees struggling with substance abuse disorders. ▪