Enduring the Pain of Change

As we begin the negotiating process with expiring Collective Bargaining Agreements, ie: New York City District Council of Carpenters and Local 1974 Tapers, the creative changes that will be explored to salvage what is left of a dwindling union market are paramount to our survival. With a customer base that has the ability to construct projects with or without union labor, the time has come to make sweeping changes to compete with our non-signatory competition. Proposed changes by both labor and management are sure to be met with resistance on both sides of the negotiation table. However, I believe it is in the best interest of all parties to break the mold that has been set for generations and implement changes required to salvage our market share. Should New York be successful in creating a new template for providing a competitive labor pool, it should be a win win for our industry along with the hard working men and women employed by dedicated signatory contractors. I feel the new model being proposed by management has the potential to recapture market share for union contractors and ensure employment for the union workforce not only in New York but perhaps across the country as well. Change is often a painful process. When embraced the potential for opportunities can be limitless. I would like to thank the honorees of this year’s WC&C Annual Spring Gala & Dinner Dance, John Ballantyne of the Northeast Regional Council of Carpenters and Douglas O’Connor of Donaldson Organization for your participation in making this year’s event the most successful Gala to date -Michael Weber