Learn How to Use the Industrial Relations Council to Effectively Resolve Labor-Management Disputes

October 17, 2025

The UA and its signatory contractor partners are experiencing unprecedented labor and construction demand, helping them grow union market share. A unionized workforce provides the stability needed to attract new contractors and secure owner commitments to union labor. This stability depends on reliable, cost-effective resources for resolving jobsite and bargaining disputes—resources that have been disrupted by the current Administration’s effective shutdown of the FMCS. A new White Paper, Utilizing the Industrial Relations Council to Effectively Resolve Labor-Management Disputes, proposes the Industrial Relations Council (IRC) as a faster, more affordable, and effective alternative for keeping it within our industry.

Content of the White Paper, which was discussed during the 2025 UA/MCAA Labor Relations Conference, covers:

  • Introduction and History of the Industrial Relations Council
  • Rules, Regulations, and Policies of the Council
    • Negotiation Matters
    • Grievance/Arbitration Matters
  • Recent Trump Administration Actions Against the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS)
  • Alternatives to the FMCS
  • Comparative Benefits of the Council
    • Expertise
    • Speed of Resolution
    • Cost
Related Articles
As part of its ongoing commitment to protecting your livelihood and setting the stage for a bright future, MCAA has secured the services of Longbow Public Policy Group to advise our MCAA Government Affairs Committee (GAC). GAC Chair, Jim Gaffney will be passing along information relative to our industry on a regular basis.…
Why do some helmets reduce the risk of skull fractures by as much as 75 percent? The answer comes down to how they are tested.…
Nearly 200 students from 33 MCAA student chapters will be attending MCAA26. Those still on the hunt for a summer internship or their first post-graduation full-time position are actively scoping out MCAA’s GreatFutures Job Board. Post your job today and be sure to stop by the ‘Hire Me’ Job Fair outside the Manufacturer/Supplier Exhibit to meet with potential candidates in person!…
At its July 18–19, 2025 meeting, the MCAA Board of Directors reviewed and advanced a series of proposed bylaws changes designed to modernize membership classifications and ensure the long‑term sustainability of Association funding. MCAA members will be voting on these changes at MCAA26.…