MCAA Regional Report, Region F

Words: Robert AdairArkansas - No State Chair
Louisiana - Justin Breithaupt, Jr.
Oklahoma - Al Slattery
Texas - Buddie Barnes

Arkansas
No state chair.

Louisiana
No report as of this writing.

Oklahoma
Labor relations at present are stable, in light of the present work load. Although there is ample work for the local workforce, pressure is becoming evident by the appearance of out of state contractors. The Local Union #1 of Oklahoma has an oversupply of bricklayers due to the seasonal effect and the fact that work is down from recent levels.

The economic climate in Oklahoma is in a state of “cautious optimism” about 2009 and into 2010. Although the people surveyed are expecting a 20-25% dip in business for 2009, the numbers are still up over 2007. Due to the record volume reached in 2008, there is an inevitable dip projected for 2009. The private sector has slowed down due to the current state of retail sales and the full inventory of office space. Public work, although usually having a smaller margin, seems to be a strong point in most work back logs. There have been numerous projects pulled off the board, due to a number of reasons. Thus, leaving some hope for late 2009 and early 2010.

Jobs are definitely harder to bid as of late due to the nervousness of Contractors wanting to fill the calendar and the excessive number of contractors available to bid. Although we have been labeled the “most recession proof” City, we in Oklahoma realize that we are not living in a bubble. Residential construction is down 20-40%, but again there is still a fair level of work, considering the levels of activity over the last couple of years.

On training, the Local #1 has a handful of apprentices currently in their program, as well as, periodically sending apprentices to the IMI training center in Maryland. The local Career Techs have over 12 programs statewide plus two skills centers at the State Prisons. The programs are thriving although the recruiting becomes tougher yearly. Counselors and teachers are steering students towards colleges, even though there are good paying jobs open in the industry that we all know are harder to fill. Some state contractors have a training system built to improve the skills and continuing the education of the Career Tech graduates giving them ample entry level skills to start an apprenticeship or at least make a laborer who can work their way up to a position of Operator or Mason.

Even with a low number of members statewide, the MCAA is an important tool to the masonry industry in this state. The publications and websites are important tools that are used by Architects and Contractors alike to inform and promote the industry here in Oklahoma. An angle to use to encourage the union contractors to join in the organization may help, as these contractors think all their needs are being served though their union organization. I have a feeling that we MCAA Members, at least by some contractors in Oklahoma, are perceived as being a prevalent open shop organization.

Texas
Labor Relations — Labor relations are generally good due to the excess supply directly linked to the economic downturn. Since the November elections more awareness has been given to the Card Check program and its potential absolution of the secret ballot. More information regarding this matter can be found at www.abc.org search card check. Additional concerns given the ethnic makeup of our labor forces are immigration, and communication.

Ensuring that your employees are legal to work in the U.S. will likely become a heavy burden on the employer. Those of you not already working on Federal jobs may find yourselves playing catch up with the government program e-file. Electronic filing of the I-9 form will provide immediate verification of social security numbers and additional employer
intervention in the event that the employee should receive a no match. As the inauguration of the new administration is upon us, educating yourself to the ever changing mine field of labor relations is a necessity.

Economic Climate — Since the near collapse of the financial sector, tighter lending standards and lack of consumer confidence, market conditions have worsened and projects are moving to market at a much slower pace. This is good news for owners who have the ability to go to market as prices have consistently been driven down by the lack of projects in the pipeline.

While it is no surprise the Residential Buildings especially market segment of single family housing has taken a bath since the latter part of 2006 it is expecting to hit bottom in 2009, with a potential rebound beginning late in the year or early in 2010. Multifamily is expected to track similarly to that of the single family but impacted to a little lesser degree. Non Residential Building especially in the market segments of Commercial, Lodging, Office, Religious, Amusements and Recreation are all expected to become much bleaker in 2009 not hitting bottom until sometime in 2010. Recovery in these South Central market segments are expected to begin sometime late 2010 to early 2011. Institutional is the only market sector potentially showing a positive growth rate in 2009.

Apprentice Training — Apprentice programs enrollment track closely to the need to expand the workforce. At this time 1st year enrollment is down, and a decline is creeping into the 2nd and 3rd year programs as most of the masonry contractors are seeing a decline in the need of labor.

Any information or updates pertaining to MCAA — nothing to report specific to our region.

MCAA Regional Report, Region F

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