Collective bargaining is inherently challenging because it requires navigating complex negotiations with unions, managing legal risks such as antitrust exposure and unfair labor practice claims, and balancing competitive business needs with long term labor management stability. MCAA’s 2025 Collective Bargaining Guide and Legal Analysis provides practical information to help mechanical contractors prepare properly for bargaining, understand what to expect, avoid common pitfalls, and achieve better results. It’s just one of MCAA’s educational resources that are free to MCAA members as a benefit of membership.
The guide provides both practical bargaining techniques (preparation, negotiation dynamics, issue-management) and an accessible legal analysis of relevant statutes, National Labor Relations Board decisions, and court cases in plain English.
Content covers:
- Preparing and organizing for negotiations
- Setting management objectives and preparing proposals
- The National Labor Relations Act
- Construction site strikes, picketing and boycotts
- Requirements for affirmative action programs for protected Veterans and individuals with disabilities
- Preventing harassment
