INDUSTRY UPDATES

Jonathan Kowalski on How the Industry is Meeting Changing Needs

PMSMCA's Executive Director talks workforce and hot topics affecting the industry

Plumbing, Mechanical and Sheet Metal Contractors Alliance (PMSMCA) Executive Director, Jonathan Kowalski, discusses Milwaukee’s union construction workforce and hot topics affecting the industry. 

"We must connect with new groups of people and show them what this career can be. College isn’t for everybody, but having a good career, making good money, and positively impacting your community by building and sustaining the structures around us can be pretty fulfilling. Not just financially, but personally, and we need to get the word out about that."

The U.S. Department of Labor announced a cohort of 207 officials and organizations from across the nation will serve as Apprenticeship Ambassadors. The participants, including our local partners WRTP|BIG STEP, AGC-GM and Operating Engineers Local 139, will share their experiences and collaborate with the department to promote apprenticeship opportunities.

The Apprenticeship Ambassador Initiative brings together industry, labor, education, equity and workforce leaders to promote Registered Apprenticeships for underserved populations and communities.

ACEA's Executive Director, Matt Marcellis, briefly explains a 2020 dispute involving two subcontractors in their latest newsletter. He explains the key points as the following, "The important takeaway from this case is that subcontractors should always look to their individual contracts with their GC for the actions they should take when another subcontractor’s performance, or lack thereof, creates a potential delay. And strictly adhere to any timeliness requirements. Subcontractors cannot rely on the courts to award compensation in these instances."

"Be that One Guy" Intervention Training Event - August 20th

Be that one guy that speaks up on the job site

Be That One Guy is an educational program designed for the construction industry to address anti-bullying and anti-harrassment and provide bystander intervention training.  

The program empowers bystanders to be upstanders when

witnessing bullying, harassment or intimidation on the job site. This

event is open to everyone - from union leaders, instructors,

construction industry staff and stakeholders to anyone looking to

broaden their skillset and understanding.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 20TH | 10AM - 3PM

IBEW 494 UNION HALL | 3303 S 103RD ST, MILWAUKEE, WI 53227

John Schmitt announces retirement from WI Laborers District Council

He will retire as Council President and Business Manager in September

After 48 years as a member of LIUNA, Wisconsin Laborers’ District Council President/Business Manager, John Schmitt, announced his retirement effective September 1, 2022.

John has been a member of LIUNA Local 113 since 1974 and became a Business Representative and member of the local union executive board in 1997. He was elected as Business Manager of Local 113 in 2000 and President/Business Manager in 2010 by the delegates of the Wisconsin Laborers’ District Council.

Under John's leadership, the Wisconsin Laborers’ Training Center in DeForest doubled in size. He was also politically active and served on a number of industry related boards. 

When we say we’re better prepared to meet workforce challenges, we mean it. An Associated General Contractors of America’s (AGC) survey of more than 5,000 of their member contractor firms found that “the skilled labor shortage is much less severe in the union segment of the industry.” Even during the pandemic, union construction’s pipeline of skilled workers fared far better than the non-union competition.

This is no accident. Local unions and contractors work in tandem to develop a strong pipeline of highly trained trade apprentices through Joint Apprentice Training Centers which develop and build up the next generation of highly skilled workers.

"Since the state legislature did away with Prevailing Wage Laws and Project Labor Agreements, the quality of public works projects in Wisconsin has run from excellent to extremely poor. While these laws were targeted because they primarily required unionized workers to perform the work, they also set the standards for the worksmanship. One of the reasons that Wisconsin construction has withstood our harsh climate is because we have historically used primarily unionized building trades workers on most projects. Skilled workers, using high quality materials and proper construction methods, means that projects last longer and are safer."

Do you have an upcoming Career Fair or Hiring Event? 

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