According to an annual survey conducted by the Sheet Metal Air Conditioning Contractors National Association (SMACNA) open shop, health care and illegal drug use are key challenges facing the signatory contractors. The Association also claims to control forty-four percent of the construction market. This number has been very steady since 1998. Over ninety percent of the contractors who responded to the survey have a .cooperative. relationship with the unions in their respective areas.

The survey also found a good labor-management environment because the number of grievances were .stable. or .declining. in the chapters who reported activity. The Sheet Metal Workers Union has met the challenge of providing skilled workers to contractors, mainly through organizing. Many of the local unions have a .Paid Organizer Program. which is supported by the International. Most contractor chapters are increasing their budgets on advertising, especially radio, television and print ads.

For a more detailed accounting of the survey contact a local participating SMACNA chapter or review the February 2004 issue of Cockshaw.s Construction Labor News + Opinion.

Article submitted by Larry Casey, Labor Education Service, Industrial Relations Center, University of Minnesota.