Masonry Magazine February 1984 Page. 14
COPING
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Many other committees could be mentioned-Constitution and Bylaws chaired by Charles Velardo, Contract Research chaired by Brad Procter, Finance chaired by David B. Soloff, Jr., Membership chaired by Gene Lee. But this listing makes the essential point that MCAA benefits from the work of a broad range of committees which perform tasks that otherwise would not be undertaken. This volunteer work is essential in keeping our Association relevant to the needs of our members and the building marketplace.
Joint and Industry Programs
In addition to its own committees, MCAA is a partner and participant in many important joint labor/management and industry programs which are active in areas of essential interest to mason contractors.
Pensions. Through the Bricklayers and Trowel Trades International Pension Fund, MCAA works with the International Bricklayers Union to develop and administer a pension program that is an essential element in maintaining the quality and stability of our trowel trades work force. This important work is ably performed by Joe Szabo, who serves as Chairman of IPF's Board of Trustees.
Masonry Industry Committee. Our Association's voice in the highest councils of the masonry industry is assured through our participation in the Masonry Industry Committee. The Committee is composed of representatives from seven organizations-the Brick Institute of America, National Concrete Masonry Association, Portland Cement Association, International Bricklayers Union, Laborers International Union, International Masonry Institute, and MCAA. MIC meets periodically to discuss and act on many issues of common interest to our industry. It fills a vital role.
Promotion. The International Masonry Institute, a joint labor/management effort of MCAA and the Bricklayers Union, conducts four major programs. The oldest of these is the Market Development or promotion program. Funded by collectively-bargained contributions, the Market Development Program conducts advertising and public relations programs, develops technical materials, holds seminars and conferences, and assists local/regional masonry promotion groups in a broad effort to strengthen and build new markets for for masonry.
Research. An area of growing importance, research and development objectives of mason contractors are pursued through the IMI R&D program, as well as through the Masonry Research Foundation. In the past year, these research efforts have included projects to develop an index of masonry research around the world, a study of composite wall characteristics, research into the bonding characteristics of masonry units and mortars, studies of the thermal properties of masonry units, and analyses of the barriers of masonry units, and analyses of the barriers to greater mobility of masonry craftsmen.
IMI's R&D program also participates in the work of U.S. counterpart committees to the international Building Council. The most recent reseach initiative of these organizations is the development of a project to study the structural and corrosion performance of masonry/metal stud wall systems. The investment that MCAA and its members, as well as the other elements of the masonry industry, are making in research is increasing a healthy sign for the future of masonry.
Training. MCAA and the Bricklayers Union are committed to a bold new plan to improve both the level and quantity of training of apprentices, journeymen, foremen and superintendents. Under the plan, IMI's Apprenticeship and Training Program will operate a series of regional training centers, and a national training center. Primary purpose of the regional centers will be to provide up to 12 weeks of pre-job training to apprentices before they go on the job. From the point of view of both the apprentice and the contractor, pre-job training is most important. The new program also enables us to offer advanced training and cross-craft training to journeymen, and special training for foremen and superintendents.
This is an ambitious program. It will take time to implement it through the collective bargaining system. But it is a good and necessary program. It does not change the function of the local Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committees which will continue to recruit, select and indenture apprentices. It provides for contractor participation at all levels. And it responds to our needs as managers, and to the needs of the craftsmen and the industry.
Labor/Management Relations. No other area is more important, and over the past two years no other area has been as volatile and critical, as labor/management relations. IMI's Labor/Management Relations program has until now consisted of two activities-preliminary developmental work on programs to increase worker satisfaction with and productivity on masonry jobs, and a "disputes settlement plan" designed to reduce work interruptions.
An essential feature of the IMI Labor/Management Program, however, has been that it is not static, but, instead, can be adapted to fit new circumstances. This is just what has recently happened through agreement by MCAA and the Bricklayers Union to add a new feature to the "disputes settlement plan." This new feature is an experimental program that will permit the two national organizations to mutually agree to act to strengthen the position of the industry.
Such actions-which are contemplated only in a limited number of localities-may consist of establishment of