Masonry Magazine April 1983 Page. 10
MCAA CONFERENCE
who captivated the audience with a witty and forceful presentation on the nation's economy. The former U.S. Secretary of Labor dwelt mainly on the creation of a disputes settlement plan in the masonry field, in which MCAA participated to a major degree, and stressed the need for competitiveness and productivity. He also urged labor and management to emphasize training and skill development, and to cooperate in the creation of pension trusts on a joint labor/management basis.
Following Dr. Dunlop's remarks, President Leonard took time out to present MCAA's highest honor-the Lead Man Award to three outstanding individuals involved with the masonry industry: Dr. Dunlop, immediate past president Louis J. Helbert, Jr., and San Diego architect John R. Mock, AIA, who also was one of the guest speakers.
L. Gerald Carlisle, executive vice president of the International Union of Bricklayers & Allied Craftsmen, Washington, D.C., then addressed the audience on what he called the "healthy, constructive and broad relationships" that the International Union has had with MCAA over the years.
He recounted the joint management/labor cooperative programs that led to the creation of IMI, the Masonry Industry Committee, Masonry Research Foundation, the Bricklayers & Trowel Trades International Pension Fund, the Apprenticeship & Training Program, the restructuring.
Thank You, BIA and NCMA
The officers and members of MCAA sincerely appreciate your thoughtful and generous gesture in hosting the Industry Reception on Wednesday evening, February 23, during our International Masonry Conference at the Town & Country Hotel in San Diego. It was truly an enjoyable prelude to our social function that evening. We are grateful to both of your splendid organizations for adding to our evening's enjoyment.
MCAA Executive Board Hears Plan to Set Up Regional Training Centers
On Monday, February 21, MCAA's Executive Board heard a special presentation outlining a plan to establish trowel trades regional training centers in the U.S. and Canada. The plan was developed by the International Masonry Institute and recommended for further study to IMI's parent organizations-MCAA and the International Bricklayers Union.
The proposal would complement existing apprenticeship activities at the local level by Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committees. Regional training centers would provide 12 weeks of pre-job training to apprentices who had been recruited and indentured by JATCs. After completing the pre-job training the apprentices would return to their localities for traditional on-the-job training under the supervision of JATCs. The center also would provide opportunities for journeymen to upgrade and broaden their skills.
The regional training center plan was presented to the Board by Ray Lackey, executive director of IMI's Market Development Program; Bruce Voss, executive director of the IMI Apprenticeship & Training Program; Thomas Gallagher of the consulting firm Edmondson & Gallagher; L. Gerald Carlisle, executive vice president of the International Bricklayers Union, MCAA president Don Leonard and past president Eugene George, and George A. Miller, MCAA executive vice president.
This proposed training program is the result of a year's work by IMI staff and consultants. It was approved by the IMI Apprenticeship & Training Program Board and by the IMI Board of Trustees. The Board of Trustees recommended that both MCAA and BAC study the plan in terms of its effectiveness and the feasibility of funding it through collectively-bargained contributions.
MCAA's Executive Board voted to have the Association's study of the plan conducted by the management trustees of IMI, with a report to be made to the Executive Board when it meets in the fall. The Bricklayers Union will appoint a special committee to study the plan and make a report to the union's General Board Meeting in the fall. In the meantime, IMI will continue to negotiate with employers and local unions in Massachusetts for the establishment of a regional training center there.