For the United Association, its contractor partners and construction project owners, working together is much more than just a concept; it's a reality that has generated great success over the past several years. Together, all three parties are walking the walk of true collaboration and partnership.
The tripartite idea was born from an awareness that all the stakeholders on a construction job share the same goal: to have a project completed on time, on budget and, most of all, safely. The first Tripartite Conference broke new ground, bringing together contractors and project owners along with local union officers, training coordinators and industrial specialists to explore what works, what needed to change and how they could move forward together.
Now, more than a decade later, the 2018 Tripartite Conference will focus once again on success stories and strategies that can be applied to virtually any construction project. Over the years, the event has explored the impact of new technologies, the challenges brought by manpower shortages and the need for different approaches to training, such as site-specific training.
One of the most powerful pieces of evidence that the tripartite approach is working is that each year the conference has grown in size. This year, several hundred participants are expected, including many large contractors and project owners. This is powerful proof this process really works and brings valuable ideas and tactics that labor, management and owners can apply on their own jobsites. Through panel discussions and wide-ranging question-and-answer sessions, the conference will once again break new ground and create a valuable learning experience for everyone.
All contractors, owners and labor unions seeking new avenues to become more efficient and productive without compromising quality and safety are welcome.
This year's theme, "Built on Excellence," reflects the United Association's and its signatory contractors' commitment to best practices across the board. "Built on Excellence" is much more than a simple slogan. It comprises three strong pillars: the Standard for Excellence, the Standard for Safety and the Standard for Productivity. These standards represent the core values of the tripartite partnership. While there are words on paper that reflect these values, the standards are now part of the wider culture on every United Association jobsite in the U.S. and Canada. Journeymen and women, as well as apprentices, all commit formally to these standards, which enable contractors and project owners to rely on what amounts to a pledge to provide the highest quality and productivity on every job every day -- and to do it safely.
To learn more about how "Built on Excellence" is incorporated into every aspect of the United Association's approach to the job -- from training to supervision to embracing new technology -- consider attending the 2018 Tripartite Conference in New Orleans Nov. 12-14.
For more information on the speakers, panels and events of the conference, email Jamie Deasel at jamied@UANET.org.