At a recent UAC Unity meeting in Chicago, United Association (UA) General President William P. Hite addressed the UAC, along with several others in the UA leadership, including International Representative Gary Hamilton, Director of Training Michael Arndt, and recently retired Director of Training George Bliss. They presented an inside look at the UA's key programs to make union contractors more competitive, including training initiatives and national labor agreements.

Approximately 80 signatory contractors, PHCC chapter executives, and labor leaders attended seminars, panel discussions, and roundtables during the two-day meeting. The UAC discussed with industry experts important issues including contract terms and negotiation techniques, building "green," creating super foremen, and estimating.

In the coming year, the UAC will continue under the leadership of Chairman Robert J. "Bud" Riestenberg and Vice Chairman Tom Gent. In 2005, UAC is focusing on increasing membership; providing new education and training programs; enhancing the relationship with the UA; and improving the union plumbing/mechanical industry for all PHCC union-affiliated contractors.

"UAC really gained a lot of momentum with this successful meeting," said Riestenberg. "We are really excited about the opportunities for the UAC as we continue to work closely with the UA to make progress on issues affecting signatory contractors."

The UAC, an enhanced service group of PHCC, was established to represent a unified voice for the union contractors within PHCC to make sure their special needs and concerns are represented. UAC works to maintain and nurture a working relationship with the UA, and provide its members with new, up-to-date national labor agreements and training programs to make contractors more competitive in the marketplace.

Publication date: 06/13/2005