Core Business: Multi-Association Negotiations Training
If you’ve ever negotiated a CBA, you know that divide and conquer is a tried-and-true tactic. It goes without saying that associations working together versus against each other would generate better results at the table. But too often, politics and preferences have gotten in the way.
To change this, contractors across all associations need to find ways to work together, create a common negotiations strategy, and devise a joint bargaining template. In 2023, UCON sought to change this dynamic for good.
In early November, thirty (30) contractors and staff from UCON, AGC, SCCA, and BIA attended a negotiations training, the first-ever joint association program. In two days, experienced and next-gen negotiators practiced their skills in live simulations, developed a common negotiations template, and created the architecture for future coordinated bargaining.
Here’s what participants said about the 2-day training:
“Collectively, contractors have a stronger voice and relevance when we work together on issues and opportunities impacting our industry. Thanks to UCON for inviting contractors and staff from various associations to attend the Multi-Employer Negotiations Training.”
Dina Kimble, Royal Electric Company
“The training was innovative and engaging, and I left with a number of new tools in my bargaining toolbox.”
Dave Greco, Teichert Construction
“For me, the overall message was Communication 101: listen, listen, listen, and choose your words—our practice sessions were superb.”
Donna Rehrmann, Stomper Company, Inc.
With many experienced contractor negotiators exiting over the next couple of cycles, now is the time to find and groom the next-gen talent our industry needs. While UCON has developed our bargaining teams to include negotiators from over 80 companies statewide, there is still a great need for other leaders to get involved. UCON will host this negotiations training again in 2024 in anticipation of multiple negotiations in 2025 and 2026. If you’re interested in getting a seat at the table and getting involved, please reach out to UCON VP of Labor Relations Victor Sella at (510) 362-6959.