New Labor Relations Best Practices and Improved Agreement/Wage Databases Online

We are pleased to announce two upgrades to the Labor Relations pages on www.necanet.org: (1) a new database of Best Practices, Policies and Procedures and (2) an improved user interface for the Chapter Labor Agreements/Wage Database. They are intended to provide general information only, and important disclaimers apply, but we hope you'll find them informative and that they may generate some helpful discussions in your own area.

The primary purpose of the Best Practices database is to allow chapters to share agreement language, policies, programs, or events that have aided the chapter or its members in building their relationship with the local union or growing their market share. A wide variety of topics is already included in the database, and it is sure to expand, with submissions from chapters and members welcomed.

The Chapter Labor Agreements/Wage Database is a collection of the full text of agreements, wages, fringe benefit contribution amounts, and list of clauses for the various agreements and divisions of participating chapters as inputted directly by the chapters. (This general information is NOT to be used for estimating purposes. Users of this data should contact the local NECA chapter in the area where the work is to be performed for current and specific contract provisions.)

For NECA eyes only, both databases are password-protected. Before you explore them in-depth, please read the introductory article so you can find your way around and make the best use of these features.

Read NECA's introductory article about the new and improved labor relations databases

Labor Relations

Special General Session on Labor Relations at NECA 2010 Boston

As you plan your convention itinerary, keep the morning of Monday, October 4, (10:00-11:15 a.m.) in mind. Along with innovation, labor relations continues to shape our evolving industry, and you'll want to attend our special session on this complex topic. NECA will take a hard look at the labor issues that matter to members, bringing together local and national leaders who make the decisions and tough choices that keep our industry moving forward. Details coming soon. In the meantime ...

View a video from NECA's 2009 Labor Relations Special General Session in Seattle

High Court Rules NLRB Will Have To Revisit Hundreds Of Past Decisions

The National Labor Relations Board is back up to its full quorum of five members now that the Senate has confirmed nominees for two vacancies. But, On June 17, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in New Process Steel LP v. NLRB that the NLRB was unqualified to render decisions during a 27-month period (January 2008-March 2010) when it operated with just two members. Although the ruling should have minimal impact on the construction industry, the NLRB will need to revisit up to 600 past decisions.

Access info about the Supreme Court's impact on the NLRB through NECA's website

Publications & Resources

Updated Standard for Installing and Testing Fiber Optics Available

NECA/FOA 301-2010, Standard for Installing and Testing Fiber Optics is the latest updated publication in the series of National Electrical Installation Standards® published by NECA. Jointly developed with the Fiber Optic Association, this standard describes installation and test procedures for fiber optic cabling networks and applies to fiber optic cabling installed indoors (premises installations) and outside plant (OSP) applications.

Look into what NECA/FOA 301-2010 is all about and order yours today

Management Education & Training

Whole Lot of Management Education Opportunities Coming Up

You don't have to wait until NECA 2010 Boston to obtain some in-depth management education for yourself and your key employees. NECA's Management Education Institute plans to deliver nearly 20 seminars in various locations across the country from July through September, and every one of them provides CEU credits for continuing education. Be sure to check out the Catalog of Courses for information on other MEI programs that you may want to see presented in your area.

Check out the MEI course schedule and register for your choice(s) ASAP!

Convention Management Seminars Prescribe Remedies for Economic Ills

Many of the Management Seminars to be presented during this year's convention focus more intensely than usual on teaching contractors how to control costs, curb waste, and increase efficiency and productivity, with some specifically geared to bouncing back from the blows of a troubled economy. Bouncing Back is, in fact, the title of one such seminar. Others include, but are not limited to, Banking and Surety Matters Today and Leading in Turbulent Times. You really cannot afford not to attend!

Check out all the educational tracks offered at NECA 2010 Boston and register today

Safety

Free Webinar on Scaffolding, a Major Violation for ECs, Set for July 27

Bad news: Scaffold-related accidents account for approximately 4500 injuries and 50 deaths each year in the construction industry. More bad news: Far too many electrical contractors were cited and fined for failing to meet various OSHA requirements for scaffolding last year. Great news: A FREE webinar on Tuesday, July 27, will explore OSHA's scaffolding standards in CFR 29 1946, Subpart L (including aerial lifts) and help connect you with resources for compliance assistance.

Don't be a statistic; register for the FREE July 27, 2010, webinar on scaffolding

Energy Solutions

Energy Solutions Blog Uncovers an Ugly Shade of Green

In his most recent posting on NECA's Energy Solutions blog, Joseph Salimando (the proprietor of his own blog at www.eleblog.com) notes that "The idea of 'green' has come under attack of late" and presents several examples of anti-green sentiments so that electrical contractors can learn about all facets and factions concerning sustainable construction. This piece follows another recent Salimando post of interest, one about the EC's role with respect to electric vehicles. Take a look!

Read the latest Energy Solutions blog to find out what the anti-green folks are up to

Meetings & Events

Academy Meeting: New Thinking, New Board, New Papers, New Inductees

The 71 Fellows and their spouses/guests who attended the 2010 Annual Meeting of the Academy of Electrical Contractors earlier this month in Ponte Vedra, Florida, heard a thought-provoking address by "Coach for America" Joe Ehrmann on "strategic masculinity." Other meeting highlights included an update by Dr. Thomas Korman, PE, on active ELECTRI International research regarding the development of a training program for electrical contractors on Building Information Modeling (BIM).

In addition, four NECA contractors were elected to the Academy Board of Directors: Bob Bruce (Bruce & Merrilees Electric, New Castle, PA), John Colson (Quanta Services, Houston, Texas), John Negro (Nelson Electric, Cedar Rapids, Iowa), and John Penney (John A. Penney Co., Cambridge, MA). New Academy Papers were presented by Larry Cogburn (Cogburn Brothers Electric, Jacksonville, FL) and Max Landon (McCoy Electric, Portland, OR). And the following outstanding leaders were selected to be formally inducted into the Academy during NECA 2010 Boston:

• George Adams (EC Company, Portland, OR)
• Michael Bender (Bana Electric Corporation, Farmingdale,NY)
• I. Steven Diamond (Malko Electric, Morton Grove, IL)
• Charles Freeman (Gulf Electric, Mobile, AL)
• David E. Morse (Morse Electric, Beloit, WI)
• Bruce Young (ColliSys, New Hope, MN)

Get the full scoop on what happened at the 2010 Academy meeting

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