FALLS CHURCH, Va. - Members of the Union Affiliated Contractors (UAC) of the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors - National Association (PHCC) are building an organization that allows signatory contractors to address their needs.

At a recent UAC Unity meeting in Chicago, William P. Hite, general president of the United Association (UA), addressed members of 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 designed to make union contractors more competitive, including training initiatives and national labor agreements.

Approximately 80 signatory contractors, PHCC chapter executives, and labor leaders took part in 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 2005, UAC is focusing on increasing membership, providing new and exciting education and training programs, enhancing the relationship with the United Association (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 UAC chairman Robert 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."

Publication date: 05/30/2005