MCAA Regional Report, Region C

Words: Edwin Davenport, Greg SchuermanMichigan - Edwin Davenport
Ohio - Greg Schuerman
West Virginia - No State Chair

Economic Conditions


Michigan
The market continues to deteriorate. With Michigan being dependent on the domestic auto industry and the domestic auto industry being is such a state of disrepair, who knows.

Ohio
No report as of this writing.

West Virginia
No State Chair.

Market Expansion and Initiatives


Michigan
Not near as gloomy of a report as economic conditions. We have pulled together $360,000.00 to promote the new Ram Bentley masonry software. This is an incredible feat in these uncertain times. 10 groups have come together to launch and promote this software. Our efforts have already shown significant success. With steel prices dropping, we assume our window of opportunity is small so we know we have to act quickly.

I am not sure if the collection of such a large amount of money is as incredible as 10 groups all pulling the same direction. This is the first time in my 35 years that I have seen so many come together. Hopefully it can continue.

Ohio
No report as of this writing.

West Virginia
No State Chair.

Labor Negotiations


Michigan
We have many contracts coming due in 2009. Labor appears to be very humble, workable and ready for change. This should be an opportunity to correct many inequities for the betterment of the workers and the industry. We need to be cautious and responsible to not overreact. All parties seem very engaged in trying to keep our pension funds as funded as possible in such a volatile market. I am seeing much responsible behavior.

Ohio
No report as of this writing.

West Virginia
No State Chair.

Workforce Development


Michigan
Workforce development is an area where we should devote some attention. Our two union bricklayer apprenticeship programs need to be merged into one program of major consequence. This may be quite a feat to accomplish. Time will tell. The Laborers have a very active and well run apprenticeship and training program. They are an asset.

There is a program in outstate Michigan called Michigan Works. Michigan Works has uncovered some interesting facts that are worth reporting. Recruitment of workers is critical to the success of any industry. All people attempting to recruit workers are up against 3 formidable competitors; the military, health care industry and the IT industry. Most workers come from K-12 (schools). Typically the individual trades attempt to recruit on their own which will never work very well. We must recruit, first, as the construction industry (the largest industry in America). Perhaps in a student's senior year, the individual trades should take over the recruitment duties. I believe this will be a more successful method. The K-12 world does not have time to mess with individual trades. Michigan Works has uncovered this and had some success at bringing the various trades (union and open shop) together. Much work is still required but I believe we are on the right track.
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