The 2010 North American Iron Workers / IMPACT Labor-Management Conference is now in the books. Let us take a moment to reflect on the week of February 21-25 as we look forward to new challenges and opportunities in the year ahead.
Before an assembly of over 500 construction industry leaders the Iron Workers and their industry partners laid out point by point plans to weather the current storm and prepare for the future. The conference had customer representation from virtually every major industry in North America including aerospace, auto, education, power generation, and steel. In addition, expert panels and speakers delved into topics of critical importance to every local union and contractor including safety, the pension crisis, fiduciary responsibilities, regulatory issues, substance abuse and green energy initiatives to name a few. "It's been my experience that the best way to attract the real players in the industry is to study what elements really need to be included. Our planning, which started the day after last year's conference ended was driven by including elements that need to be discussed and acted upon, so that a tangible benefit is provided to our attendees," noted IMPACT CEO Eric Waterman.
The first day of the conference provided the back drop for Jordan Barab of OSHA to announce a joint training initiative between the Iron Workers and OSHA to insure OSHA inspectors are up to date on current industry practices. In addition, breakout sessions on day one included a Town Hall meeting where contractors could speak directly to the Iron Worker General Officers in an open and frank basis; updates on organizing and the Employee Free Choice Act; developments in the Ornamental Industry; a session on new training initiatives that includes wind turbine, green and superintendent training; the IMPACT substance abuse program and a presentation on the Design-Build process.
Day two of the conference started off with the President of the AFL-CIO's Building Trades Department, Mr. Mark Ayers. A comprehensive economic analysis of the construction industry was provided by Chris Lissner of Acropolis Investment Management, followed by two expert panel discussions, the first on the future of Nuclear Power construction and the next focusing on the current state of Iron Worker pension plans. Ms. Joanna Pineda, CEO of the Matrix Group International, revealed the power of social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. Updates on grants obtained by the National Training Fund, as well as updates to NTF materials and a preview of this year's apprentice competition in Seattle were also provided, along with comments from Roger Ferch, President of the American Institute of Steel Construction. The afternoon of day two provided valuable breakout session on the future of the reinforcing steel industry, the IMPACT workers compensation and temporary disability efforts, the safe handling and erection of steel joists, steel girders and steel decking, along with an additional breakout on the current pension crisis.
The third day of the conference featured panels on marketing of Iron Worker training initiatives, along with a panel comprised of Business Managers and Contractors. Added to that, the audience heard from Steve Sandherr, CEO of the Associated General Contractors of America, who provided his view of the near term prospect of the construction industry. Bill Press, noted radio and television personality, provided his economic and political views and IMPACT's own Steve Rank delivered an update on recent regulatory actions from OSHA, both from a state and federal perspective.
The conference wrapped up with a panel, moderated by General Secretary Walter Wise, on how local unions can work to preserve and expand their markets during these trying times. General Secretary Ed McHugh also moderated a panel discussion on the importance of maintaining a local union's fiduciary responsibilities. The conference ended with another town hall style meeting with the General Officers addressing the questions and concerns of those in attendance representing Local Unions and District Councils.
"We need to get even greater attendance to arm our good contractors with the knowledge they need to grow and to educate our current and, hopefully, new customers on what we're doing to keep us the most productive and competitive group they use," noted IMPACT Co-Chair Bill Brown.
For a video summary and photos of this year's event, check out the IMPACT Facebook page or YouTube channel.