The purpose of the Industrial Relations Council for the Plumbing and Pipefitting Industry (IRC) is to provide an approved and orderly process to avoid strikes/lockouts and settle grievances. The IRC, founded in the early 1950's, is supported by three sponsors: The United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry of the United States and Canada, the Union Affiliated Contractor-Plumbing, Heating and Cooling Contractors - National Association, and the Mechanical Contractors Association of America.
These organizations are committed to providing, as necessary, a vehicle for their respective members to petition the Council for assistance in settling collective bargaining agreements and/or settling local grievances as submitted to the Council. Usually the Council's mandate is to provide "second tier" collective bargaining to submitting United Association local unions and their local contractors/contractor associations.
The Council is comprised of a standing Committee of eight members who are appointed by their respective organizations. Four members (Union) are appointed by the United Association of the Plumbers and Pipe Fitting Industry of the United States and Canada. Two members (Employers) are appointed by the Union Affiliated Contractors - Plumbing Heating and Cooling Contractors - National Association. Two members (Employers) are appointed by the Mechanical Contractors Association of America.
The Council employs a Secretary, who serves as the Administrator of the Council. It is the duty of the Secretary to keep the records of the Council and assist the parties with their submissions to the Council.
United Association local unions and their signatory contractors/associations utilize the services of the Council for the following reasons:
- There is no charge to utilize the services of the Council, whether the submission is a continuation of negotiations or a local grievance. The only cost to the parties is to attend the hearings. The Council does not have set meeting dates but meets as necessary. As submissions are received, the Council sets its meeting schedule per receipt of those submissions. The Council makes every effort to meet in cost-effective and centrally located meeting venues.
- The Council has first-hand knowledge of the plumbing and pipe fitting industry. By having business managers and signatory contractors on the Council, the participating parties are assured of representation by people who have an excellent working knowledge of the industry and industry experience.
- Submissions to the Council avoid local politics by either the Union or the Employer that could hinder the collective bargaining process.
For additional details on the rules of the Council and the actual submission process, log on to www.industrialrelationscouncil.com
Questions, Comments?
Contact Barbara Dolim.