Comstock's magazine 0819 - August 2019 | Page 66

ING THE RAT 1 EB DA SALUTE TO LABOR VE RSA OR RY OF LAB APMC and NCMCA/UA Local 447 A SALUTE TO PARTNERSHIP A s we celebrate the 125th Booth notes that labor and management anniversary of Labor Day both face the increasing role of information this year, the Sacramento technology, which promises greater region flourishes with its own history of efficiencies but can be difficult to partnerships between management and implement, and the graying of the industry’s labor. Backed by those relationships, the workforce. “As an industry, we must area is thriving with growth and renewal. constantly remind younger generations that United Association Local 447 has been in the Sacramento area since 1905, while we’re a progressive and innovative career path that’s also richly rewarding,” he says. Associated Plumbing and Mechanical The labor side expresses optimism. “We Contractors (APMC) was founded in 1937 have a great relationship with management, and Northern California Mechanical collaborating well and finding mutually Contractors Association (NorCal MCA) beneficial ways to advance the industry,” was founded in 1955. These organizations says Aaron Stockwell, business manager have long worked for the benefit of their for UA Local 447. “With about five years of members and worked together for the work in the Sacramento area on the books, benefit of the greater Sacramento region. a primary goal is supplying a skilled and “The working relationship between management and labor has always been strong in the Sacramento region,” says Larry Booth, owner of Frank M. Booth, Inc. and a contractor member of NorCal MCA. “Both trained workforce to meet contractors’ needs. Nearly 270 apprentices will return to our training program in August, compared to an average of 100 apprentices each year over the past decade, and that’s promising.” parties have been responsive to market Both sides express the desire to maintain and conditions and the need to maintain a healthy expand their relationship and look forward and productive labor resource. Currently, to building the Sacramento region together. the market is quite strong, creating a labor demand we haven’t experienced since before the 2007-2009 depression.” “ Contractors and the industry’s labor force are working together to make the industry stronger and to make the Sacramento region’s future brighter. — RICK CHOWDRY President, Intech Mechanical & President APMC Board of Directors ”