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The Biden DOL End-of-Year Agenda

SMACNA policy priorities, including several proposed rule changes and updates, will face increased scrutiny from the Republican-controlled House. 

End of 2022 Sees Continued Pro-Labor Push at the Federal Level

The Biden Administration, and federal agencies and enforcers, continue their broad-based push to reshape the workplace in favor of regulatory and labor interests, as well as increased private-sector unionization efforts. Several ongoing developments, in particular, merit ongoing monitoring and response efforts from employers seeking to avoid federal scrutiny and maintain compliance with ever-increasing workforce management requirements. 

BE4ALL MLK Learning Journey Session

The Changing Risk Environment

This paper seeks to address some of the core risks that have been facing sheet metal contractors for decades. 

SMACNA Supports the House Committee Report Accompanying the Departments of Labor, Health and Human S

DOL must have the resources it needs to ensure ongoing compliance with these programs and meet the obligations placed upon it by Congress.

SMACNA Supports Support for the Department of Labor’s Requested Funding Levels for FY23 Appropriatio

It is critical that Congress provide adequate funding to the Office of the Solicitor to ensure the agency has the resources to enforce the existing statutes and regulations to their best capabilities.

SMACNA Supports Support for the Department of Labor’s Requested Funding Levels for FY23 Appropriatio

It is critical that Congress provide adequate funding to the Office of the Solicitor to ensure the agency has the resources to enforce the existing statutes and regulations to their best capabilities.

Re: SMACNA Endorses Jessica Looman as Administrator of DOL’s Wage and Hour Division

Ms. Looman was reported to the Senate floor with bipartisan support this week due to her outstanding qualifications, experience and judgement while serving at the Department of Labor as well as in many highly important public service positions at the local, state and federal levels.

Re: Support the Secure and Fair Enforcement (SAFE) Banking Act for Passage

The SAFE Banking Act would allow banks, credit unions, and other financial institutions to offer banking services to legally operate cannabis businesses without fear of punishment by federal regulators.

Employee or Independent Contractor Classification Under the Fair Labor Standards Act

SMACNA comments in support of the DOL’s Notice of Proposed Rulemaking — Employee or Independent Contractor Classification under the Fair Labor Standards Act published Oct. 13, 2022. SMACNA believes that the construction industry needs stronger protections against the deliberate misclassification of workers as independent contractors — also called “worker status fraud.” SMACNA believes the DOL should develop rules specific to the construction industry to prevent unscrupulous contractors from deliberately misclassifying workers to gain an unfair advantage for law-abiding contractors that pay workers middle-class wages and benefits.

Public Comments on RIN 1235-AA43 – Employee or Independent Contractor Classification Under the Fair

SMACNA supports the Proposed IC Rule because it will provide greater clarity and consistency through the codification of the longstanding six-factor economic reality test.

Re: Support The Secure and Fair Enforcement (SAFE) Banking Act for Passage

The SAFE Banking Act would allow banks, credit unions, and other financial institutions to offer banking services to legally operating cannabis businesses without fear of punishment by federal regulators.

December 2022 Council of Chapter Representatives Meeting Presentations

Webinar: How Contractors Can Tap Technology to Make the Most of Their Workforce

The labor shortage in construction is not new. Contractors have been "managing around" this obstacle for decades doing what they can with what they've got; using pen and paper as well as software designed to bridge the gap but ultimately lacking in cohesiveness and insight.

Upgrading Standards for Registered Apprenticeship Programs

On behalf of our thousands of union members and signatory contractors, the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers (SMART) and Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors' National Association (SMACNA) would like to reiterate our appreciation for the opportunity to share our recommendations with the White House Task Force on Worker Organizing and Empowerment. These new recommendations address upgrading the standards for registered apprenticeship programs (RAPs) in 29 C.F.R. part 29 and supplement the recommendations concerning apprenticeship standards in SMART’s June 25, 2021 letter (attached) to the Task Force.

Re: Upgrading Standards for Registered Apprenticeship Programs

Collectively, the changes recommended will ensure that apprentices receive broad-based, quality training that will provide them with marketable skills for their entire careers and further the DOL’s goal of “rebuilding the middle class” and “connecting a diverse workforce to family-sustaining jobs.”

Re: Support The Secure and Fair Enforcement (SAFE) Banking Act for Passage

The SAFE Banking Act would allow banks, credit unions, and other financial institutions to offer banking services to legally operating cannabis businesses without fear of punishment by federal regulators.

The Contractor’s Practical Guide on Tool Management

The task force responsible for writing the Guide worked with contractors and subject matter experts to learn more about the evolving trends in tool management.

The Need to Address Expiring Tax Provisions

Giving taxpayers stable tax rules by providing an extension of expired and expiring tax provisions is a common-sense step

SMACNA Products & Services Guide

The guide to SMACNA products and services identifies the many ways that SMACNA is prepared to serve your information needs.

SMACNA Supports The Bipartisan Stauber (R-MN-8) Amendment, House Section 870, Offered to the FY 2023

The important amendment would ensure small business construction contractors receive timely payment for change orders on federal construction project.

Webinar: What to Know About Selling, Transitioning, or Closing Your Business

This is the third webinar in SMACNA's three-part Withdrawal Liability webinar series.

Webinar: When Does Withdrawal Liability Become Triggered?

This is the second webinar in SMACNA's three-part Withdrawal Liability webinar series.

On Requirements in the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022

We recommend that the Treasury Department require that home energy auditors hold the following certifications accredited by the ICB in order to receive credit: Total Building Energy Audit Technician, Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)/Ventilation Verification Technician, Indoor Air Quality/Ventilation Verification Contractor and Indoor Air Quality/Ventilation Verification Supervisor. These certifications hold third-party accreditation status, have strong standards, and play a critical role in auditing and assessing the energy performance of buildings. The ICB is a recognized leader in providing certifications for the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) industry.

Requirements in the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022

The IRA’s massive investments to fight the climate crisis will incentivize expansion of workforce training and creation of career-sustaining, middle class jobs by providing expanded tax credits for taxpayers that satisfy prevailing wage and apprenticeship requirements.

In Support of the Use of Project Labor Agreements for Federal Construction Projects

Comments on specific steps that the Treasury Department, individually or in coordination with the Wage and Hour Division (WHD) and/or Office of Apprenticeship (OA), may take to promote accountability, appropriate oversight, and enforcement and to determine which functions can appropriately be delegated to the taxpayer.

SMACNA Convention: Building Resilience Through Adaptation

Amid constant change, SMACNA convention attendees learn to adapt and grow. 

ARCHITECTURAL: In-House, Local Fabrication Helps Secure Building Project

IMC’s location, unique skillset and general contractor relationship secures them a 5-story, mixed-use building project in Sioux City, Iowa.

HVAC: Focusing on Fire Safety

SMACNA introduces Fire, Smoke, and Radiation Damper Installation Guide for HVAC Systems, 6th Edition. 

INDUSTRIAL: Big Project Requires Big Ductwork

Apollo Mechanical tackles a project for one of the world’s largest manufacturers in the semiconductor industry.

RESIDENTIAL: Building Based on Relationships

This Canadian sheet metal company is thriving without a shop, building a successful business on the back of great relationships. 

Expanded Section 179D Tax Savings for Energy-Efficient Building & Design

The Inflation Reduction Act, signed and passed into law on August 16, 2022, includes $369 billion in climate and energy spending.

Take the SMACNA Annual Labor Report Survey

Process allows SMACNA to better understand the labor climate for the upcoming year.

Webinar: The Basics of Withdrawl Liability

This is the first webinar in SMACNA's three-part Withdrawl Liability webinar series.

Webinar Recording: Be Prepared for A Mental Health Audit

Trustees can gain a better understanding of how to ensure that their fund is adequately prepared for a mental health parity audit by viewing this recorded webinar.

Webinar: Addressing Performance Issues Within Your Skilled Workforce

Too often, contractors are reluctant to address performance issues with their skilled workforce. This session will provide practical “how-to’s” for investigating, documenting, and making decisions to address performance issues in a unionized workplace.

Requirements in the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022

SMART and SMACNA support efforts to make the WD-10 form more user-friendly in furtherance of the DOL’s goal of increasing the amount of usable data submitted in wage surveys. These comments focus primarily on the two most significant changes to the proposed WD-10: elimination of peak week as an indispensable means to increasing the total amount of data on which prevailing rates are based; and inclusion of a ‘‘picklist’’ of “labor classifications” from which a submitter may choose, along with a creation of a Directory of Classifications and Sub-classifications.”

SMACNA Opposes H.R. 1284, sponsored by Rep. Budd (R-NC-13), Legislation to Limit the Consideration a

Economics, not ideology, should drive PLA decisions.

SMACNA Opposes S. 403 - Sen. Young (R-IN) - Legislation to Limit the Consideration and Appropriate U

Economics, not ideology, should drive PLA decisions.

Webinar: Be Prepared for a Mental Health Parity Audit

Is your health fund ready for a mental health parity audit? There is a good chance it is not, because most health plans fail.

PLAs Feature in Syracuse Micron Plant Project

SMACNA champions PLAs as key element to ensure fair wages, skilled labor, and contracting transparency throughout a project.

DOL Holding Virtual Meeting on OSHA Whistleblower Program

Program will help gather information to be used to improve the program.

Lets Talk Shop Episode 22

A discussion with Nate Oland, Federated Insurance

Iowa SMACNA Members Meet with Congresswoman Axne, House Majority Caucus Chair Jeffries

Members discussed workforce development issues with congressional leaders at Des Moines, IA issues event.

The HVAC and Sheet Metal Industry Futures Study Update 2022

The New Horizons Foundation has published its fourth Futures Study, providing insights into what’s ahead for your business.

Indoor Environmental Quality Becomes Focus Area in Wake of Pandemic

HVAC contractors find they have a significant role to play in improving air quality in indoor spaces.

H.R 5376 – The Inflation Reduction Act

Sweeping legislation that contains $369 billion of incentives to promote new energy efficency technologies and represents an important first step toward slashing energy waste and decarbonizing the country's building portfolio.

SMCA By-Laws