Learn How to Use the Industrial Relations Council to Effectively Resolve Labor-Management Disputes

October 17, 2025

The UA and its signatory contractor partners are experiencing unprecedented labor and construction demand, helping them grow union market share. A unionized workforce provides the stability needed to attract new contractors and secure owner commitments to union labor. This stability depends on reliable, cost-effective resources for resolving jobsite and bargaining disputes—resources that have been disrupted by the current Administration’s effective shutdown of the FMCS. A new White Paper, Utilizing the Industrial Relations Council to Effectively Resolve Labor-Management Disputes, proposes the Industrial Relations Council (IRC) as a faster, more affordable, and effective alternative for keeping it within our industry.

Content of the White Paper, which was discussed during the 2025 UA/MCAA Labor Relations Conference, covers:

  • Introduction and History of the Industrial Relations Council
  • Rules, Regulations, and Policies of the Council
    • Negotiation Matters
    • Grievance/Arbitration Matters
  • Recent Trump Administration Actions Against the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS)
  • Alternatives to the FMCS
  • Comparative Benefits of the Council
    • Expertise
    • Speed of Resolution
    • Cost
Related Articles
Congratulations to the first IPM graduates of 2026! After two weeks of intensive and immersive education, the students of Classes 95 and 96 have joined the ranks of the more than 2,750+ IPM alumni from MCAA member companies across the country.…
When properly organized and operated, Industry Improvement Funds (IIFs) are effective, efficient, and equitable tools for strengthening market conditions, competitiveness, and labor and employment initiatives across the mechanical contracting industry nationwide. MCAA’s Industry Improvement Fund Operations Guide offers mechanical contractors, association leaders, and fund administrators practical, legally grounded guidance on organizing, administering, and maximizing the impact of IIFs—helping them manage funds with confidence and clarity. It’s just one of MCAA’s educational resources that are free to MCAA members as a benefit of membership.…
Twenty-nine MCAA Student Chapters submitted a proposal for the MCAA Water Park project. Congratulations to the Final Four and Merit Award teams. Final Four teams will present their proposals on the afternoon of Tuesday, March 17th on the main stage at MCAA26 in Phoenix, AZ.…
Ensure your company is ready to roll with your summer employment needs by posting internship and full-time new hire positions each month to the MCAA GreatFutures Job Board. A variety of positions can be posted, not just project management!…
Load More...