Two Industry‑Changing Conferences. One Impactful Week. MCAA’s Collective Bargaining Conference and the UA/MCAA Labor Relations Conference happened consecutively last week. Together, these back-to-back events offered a unique opportunity to develop aligned strategies, share perspectives, and build stronger labor-management relationships across the mechanical industry.
MCAA’s 2025 Collective Bargaining Conference
October 5–7, 2025 | Las Vegas, NV
The 2025 MCAA Collective Bargaining Conference offered attendees two days of practical insights, lively discussions, and valuable takeaways to strengthen local labor relationships and negotiation strategies.
Opening with a warm welcome from MCAA President Brian Hughes, the program quickly set an engaging tone with David Allen’s session on how shifting customer priorities are influencing bargaining approaches. John McNerney followed with a deep dive into the updated MCAA Collective Bargaining Guide, while additional sessions from experts like UA’s Derrick Kaulapai, Curtis Harbour, Christina Wernick, Shane McMorrow and more, encouraged attendees to view negotiations from multiple perspectives and to build stronger, more unified bargaining committees. Conversations throughout the first day emphasized collaboration, empathy, and understanding between management and labor to achieve long-term, mutually beneficial outcomes.
The second day turned attention to the emerging forces shaping the future of collective bargaining. Sessions examined trends in national labor relations, the growing impact of artificial intelligence, and the distinctive challenges of service bargaining. Panels led by industry leaders like Russ Borst, Adam Wallenstein, and Adam Snavely (to name a few) shared real-world examples of how positive relationships and trust-building can elevate outcomes beyond the contract itself.
The conference concluded with an energetic panel of “Yes – No – Maybe – Sometimes” guiding the audience through an interactive exploration of what’s right and wrong in bargaining, a fitting close to a conference designed to inform, challenge, and unite MCAA members in advancing their collective bargaining practices.
Together, attendees left with renewed perspectives, practical strategies, and a shared commitment to strengthening collaboration and trust at every bargaining table.
UA/MCAA Labor Relations Conference
October 8–9, 2025 | Las Vegas, NV
The 2025 UA-MCAA Labor Relations Conference, held immediately after the 2025 MCAA Collective Bargaining Conference, brought together over 1,500 labor and management leaders to collaborate, learn, and strengthen the partnership that continues to drive progress in the mechanical construction industry. Attendees heard from top voices representing the United Association (UA), MCAA, and leading contractors and owners, including representatives from Google and Microsoft, who explored the rapidly evolving landscape of data center construction and energy projects. Discussions on organizing, leadership development, and promoting the Industrial Relations Council (IRC) underscored the importance of unity and proactive engagement in addressing industry challenges and opportunities.
Additional sessions turned attention to mental health, retirement planning, and the future of HVACR service work—emphasizing the industry’s commitment to both professional and personal well-being. Insightful presentations on VitalCOG training for mental health, maximizing retirement benefits, and reflections from apprentices reinforced the value of continuous education and care for every member of the UA-MCAA community. The conference closed with remarks from UA Assistant General President Mike Pleasant and MCAA President Brian Hughes, celebrating another successful year of collaboration and a shared vision for the industry’s future.
