Resource Highlight: MCAA’s 2025 Collective Bargaining Guide and Legal Analysis

January 16, 2026

Collective bargaining is inherently challenging because it requires navigating complex negotiations with unions, managing legal risks such as antitrust exposure and unfair labor practice claims, and balancing competitive business needs with long term labor management stability. MCAA’s 2025 Collective Bargaining Guide and Legal Analysis provides practical information to help mechanical contractors prepare properly for bargaining, understand what to expect, avoid common pitfalls, and achieve better results. It’s just one of MCAA’s educational resources that are free to MCAA members as a benefit of membership.

The guide provides both practical bargaining techniques (preparation, negotiation dynamics, issue-management) and an accessible legal analysis of relevant statutes, National Labor Relations Board decisions, and court cases in plain English.

Content covers:

  • Preparing and organizing for negotiations
  • Setting management objectives and preparing proposals
  • The National Labor Relations Act
  • Construction site strikes, picketing and boycotts
  • Requirements for affirmative action programs for protected Veterans and individuals with disabilities
  • Preventing harassment
Related Articles
As part of its ongoing commitment to protecting your livelihood and setting the stage for a bright future, MCAA has secured the services of Longbow Public Policy Group to advise our MCAA Government Affairs Committee (GAC). GAC Chair, Jim Gaffney will be passing along information relative to our industry on a regular basis.…
MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show connects our contractor members with the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.…
MCAA and long-time safety partner CNA bring you the MCAA/CNA Safety Excellence Awards Program—one of the most prestigious recognitions in our industry. These annual awards honor MCAA member companies for outstanding safety programs and innovative safety initiatives, because nothing is more important than protecting the health and safety of our workforce. Take a moment to showcase your company's success—apply today!…
As part of its ongoing commitment to protecting your livelihood and setting the stage for a bright future, MCAA has secured the services of Longbow Public Policy Group to advise our MCAA Government Affairs Committee (GAC). GAC Chair, Jim Gaffney will be passing along information relative to our industry on a regular basis.…
Load More...