SMACNA Opens Registration for 2027 Collective Bargaining Orientation

Highlights

• SMACNA will hold its Collective Bargaining Orientation Feb. 10-11, 2027, in Tempe, Arizona.
• The two-day program will cover negotiation fundamentals, preparation strategies and bargaining analytics.
• Sessions will address approaches to managing impasses and potential work stoppages.
• Registration is limited to SMACNA members and costs $175.
• Attendees will receive updated SMACNA employment share data for use during negotiations.

Contract negotiations can affect labor costs, workforce planning and operating conditions for specialty contractors, making preparation a key business consideration. The Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors' National Association (SMACNA) is offering a two-day training program designed to help members strengthen their collective bargaining skills ahead of future negotiations.

The Collective Bargaining Orientation is scheduled for Feb. 10-11, 2027, at The Westin Tempe in Tempe, Arizona.

Bargaining Training and Cost Analysis

The program will cover core collective bargaining concepts and negotiation techniques, along with methods for preparing for bargaining sessions. Participants will work on setting negotiation objectives, collecting relevant information and developing bargaining strategies.

The training also will address the financial side of labor negotiations. Topics include cost analysis, benchmarking and the use of analytics to support bargaining decisions.

Another portion of the program will focus on impasses and work stoppages. The sessions are intended to provide approaches for preparing for potential disputes and managing negotiations when agreements are difficult to reach.

Program Details and Registration

The orientation is scheduled as a two-day in-person program at The Westin Tempe, located at 11 E. Seventh Street in Tempe.

Registration costs $175 and is available to SMACNA members. Participants also will receive updated employment share data from SMACNA, which can provide additional labor-market information during contract discussions.

Hotel booking information is expected to be provided separately. Registration changes or cancellations must be submitted in writing to SMACNA.

Why It Matters

For sheet metal and HVAC contractors operating under collective bargaining agreements, labor negotiations can influence workforce costs and contract planning. Training that combines negotiation preparation with cost and employment data can give contractor representatives additional tools when preparing for bargaining sessions.

The February 2027 program provides members with a dedicated forum to address negotiation strategy, financial analysis and potential labor disruptions before entering contract discussions.

Source: SMACNA.