MIAMI BEACH, FL — According to the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors — National Association (PHCC), employment growth has thrived over the past six years, but unity among union contractors must continue to ensure a strong future.

This was also the message presented by Union-Affiliated Contractors co-chairman Malcolm Sweet at the United Association (UA) convention held here recently. The UAC is an enhanced service group of PHCC and its signatory contractors.

”United, we will gain work in areas that we never dreamed possible,” said Sweet. “Good journeymen in the long run don’t lose hours, they gain opportunity.”

Sweet also pointed out several areas that the UA and PHCC have focused on to help benefit the contractor, including UA-sponsored programs and working on issues including codes and regulations, utility competition, workforce recruitment, and more.

Other strategies that PHCC is promoting for a strong future include:

  • Continuing to train plumbers who are code knowledgeable;

  • Continuing to train and certify to improve productivity and customer satisfaction; and

  • Remaining economically viable without pricing employees’ salaries out of the market.

    • Publication date: 08/27/2001