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Webinar: How Contractors Can Tap Technology to Make the Most of Their Workforce

The labor shortage in construction is not new. Contractors have been "managing around" this obstacle for decades doing what they can with what they've got; using pen and paper as well as software designed to bridge the gap but ultimately lacking in cohesiveness and insight.

Upgrading Standards for Registered Apprenticeship Programs

On behalf of our thousands of union members and signatory contractors, the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers (SMART) and Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors' National Association (SMACNA) would like to reiterate our appreciation for the opportunity to share our recommendations with the White House Task Force on Worker Organizing and Empowerment. These new recommendations address upgrading the standards for registered apprenticeship programs (RAPs) in 29 C.F.R. part 29 and supplement the recommendations concerning apprenticeship standards in SMART’s June 25, 2021 letter (attached) to the Task Force.

Re: Upgrading Standards for Registered Apprenticeship Programs

Collectively, the changes recommended will ensure that apprentices receive broad-based, quality training that will provide them with marketable skills for their entire careers and further the DOL’s goal of “rebuilding the middle class” and “connecting a diverse workforce to family-sustaining jobs.”

Re: Support The Secure and Fair Enforcement (SAFE) Banking Act for Passage

The SAFE Banking Act would allow banks, credit unions, and other financial institutions to offer banking services to legally operating cannabis businesses without fear of punishment by federal regulators.

The Contractor’s Practical Guide on Tool Management

The task force responsible for writing the Guide worked with contractors and subject matter experts to learn more about the evolving trends in tool management.

The Need to Address Expiring Tax Provisions

Giving taxpayers stable tax rules by providing an extension of expired and expiring tax provisions is a common-sense step

SMACNA Products & Services Guide

The guide to SMACNA products and services identifies the many ways that SMACNA is prepared to serve your information needs.

SMACNA Supports The Bipartisan Stauber (R-MN-8) Amendment, House Section 870, Offered to the FY 2023

The important amendment would ensure small business construction contractors receive timely payment for change orders on federal construction project.

Webinar: What to Know About Selling, Transitioning, or Closing Your Business

This is the third webinar in SMACNA's three-part Withdrawal Liability webinar series.

Webinar: When Does Withdrawal Liability Become Triggered?

This is the second webinar in SMACNA's three-part Withdrawal Liability webinar series.

On Requirements in the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022

We recommend that the Treasury Department require that home energy auditors hold the following certifications accredited by the ICB in order to receive credit: Total Building Energy Audit Technician, Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)/Ventilation Verification Technician, Indoor Air Quality/Ventilation Verification Contractor and Indoor Air Quality/Ventilation Verification Supervisor. These certifications hold third-party accreditation status, have strong standards, and play a critical role in auditing and assessing the energy performance of buildings. The ICB is a recognized leader in providing certifications for the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) industry.

Requirements in the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022

The IRA’s massive investments to fight the climate crisis will incentivize expansion of workforce training and creation of career-sustaining, middle class jobs by providing expanded tax credits for taxpayers that satisfy prevailing wage and apprenticeship requirements.

In Support of the Use of Project Labor Agreements for Federal Construction Projects

Comments on specific steps that the Treasury Department, individually or in coordination with the Wage and Hour Division (WHD) and/or Office of Apprenticeship (OA), may take to promote accountability, appropriate oversight, and enforcement and to determine which functions can appropriately be delegated to the taxpayer.

SMACNA Convention: Building Resilience Through Adaptation

Amid constant change, SMACNA convention attendees learn to adapt and grow. 

Expanded Section 179D Tax Savings for Energy-Efficient Building & Design

The Inflation Reduction Act, signed and passed into law on August 16, 2022, includes $369 billion in climate and energy spending.

Take the SMACNA Annual Labor Report Survey

Process allows SMACNA to better understand the labor climate for the upcoming year.

Webinar: The Basics of Withdrawl Liability

This is the first webinar in SMACNA's three-part Withdrawl Liability webinar series.

Webinar Recording: Be Prepared for A Mental Health Audit

Trustees can gain a better understanding of how to ensure that their fund is adequately prepared for a mental health parity audit by viewing this recorded webinar.

Webinar: Addressing Performance Issues Within Your Skilled Workforce

Too often, contractors are reluctant to address performance issues with their skilled workforce. This session will provide practical “how-to’s” for investigating, documenting, and making decisions to address performance issues in a unionized workplace.

Requirements in the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022

SMART and SMACNA support efforts to make the WD-10 form more user-friendly in furtherance of the DOL’s goal of increasing the amount of usable data submitted in wage surveys. These comments focus primarily on the two most significant changes to the proposed WD-10: elimination of peak week as an indispensable means to increasing the total amount of data on which prevailing rates are based; and inclusion of a ‘‘picklist’’ of “labor classifications” from which a submitter may choose, along with a creation of a Directory of Classifications and Sub-classifications.”

SMACNA Opposes H.R. 1284, sponsored by Rep. Budd (R-NC-13), Legislation to Limit the Consideration a

Economics, not ideology, should drive PLA decisions.

SMACNA Opposes S. 403 - Sen. Young (R-IN) - Legislation to Limit the Consideration and Appropriate U

Economics, not ideology, should drive PLA decisions.

Webinar: Be Prepared for a Mental Health Parity Audit

Is your health fund ready for a mental health parity audit? There is a good chance it is not, because most health plans fail.

PLAs Feature in Syracuse Micron Plant Project

SMACNA champions PLAs as key element to ensure fair wages, skilled labor, and contracting transparency throughout a project.

DOL Holding Virtual Meeting on OSHA Whistleblower Program

Program will help gather information to be used to improve the program.

Lets Talk Shop Episode 22

A discussion with Nate Oland, Federated Insurance

Iowa SMACNA Members Meet with Congresswoman Axne, House Majority Caucus Chair Jeffries

Members discussed workforce development issues with congressional leaders at Des Moines, IA issues event.

The HVAC and Sheet Metal Industry Futures Study Update 2022

The New Horizons Foundation has published its fourth Futures Study, providing insights into what’s ahead for your business.

Indoor Environmental Quality Becomes Focus Area in Wake of Pandemic

HVAC contractors find they have a significant role to play in improving air quality in indoor spaces.

SMCA By-Laws

Lets Talk Shop Episode 21

A Conversation With Joseph Sellers, Jr., General President, SMART

Lets Talk Shop Episode 20

A conversation with Rick Blazier, COO of Southland Industries

ARCHITECTURAL: The Future of Welding

New laser technology improves efficiency, speed and intricacy.

HVAC: San Diego SMACNA Firm Finds Success With Unexpected BIM Partner

Subcontracting helps navigate short deadlines and fast paced projects.

INDUSTRIAL: From Design to Build

The Central Sheet Metal team designs, fabricates and installs a grain elevator for a customer in Franklin, Indiana.

RESIDENTIAL: Fleet Operations Strategies

Managing a fleet is a big part of a residential HVAC contractor’s business.

Standardizing Processes to Save You Time

New emerging information products can assist contractors to better manage their workflow during the third-party certification process.

The Best of Both Worlds

Supplying ductwork to your fellow contractors is a strategic decision that can pay off during all phases of the construction cycle. 

Essential Areas for Developing Construction Talent

By having a plan when it comes to workforce development, you can make an investment that equally benefits employers and employees.

Using Financial Ratios to Plan a Confident Future

Using this commonly overlooked forecasting tool can help you understand your company's financial preparedness.

Understanding Cyber Risk Quantification

Taking a moment to grasp your cyber vulnerabilities can provide you with an opportunity to protect your assets in a financially responsible manner.

New OSHA “National Emphasis Program” Heats Up

Initiative will use “proactive outreach” and “compliance assistance” to reduce and prevent heat-related worker injuries and fatalities.

Welcome New SMACNA Members

Let's Talk Shop Episode 19

A Conversation with Bill Zahner (Ceo/Chairman, A. Zahner Co.)