ST. LOUIS, Mo. – The AGC of Missouri’s Labor Policy Committee recently took a significant step towards strengthening relationships between contractor members and the five basic union trades. Led by Chair Dirk Elsperman, the committee recognized the need for enhanced communication and rapport-building between labor and management, which can often be overlooked in the hustle of everyday operations.
To facilitate this connection, the committee proposed a social event, resulting in a well-attended happy hour held on September 18th at the Hacienda Mexican Restaurant. The gathering, which took place from 4 pm to 6pm in a private outdoor setting, was aimed at fostering personal connections rather than focusing on jobsite or industry business.
More than 40 representatives from 20 contractor companies joined more than 20 participants from the five basic union trades for an evening of relaxed conversation and camaraderie. The casual atmosphere provided a unique opportunity for labor and management to engage in informal discussions and share personal stories, helping to humanize roles that are often viewed through a purely professional lens.
Feedback from attendees highlighted the event’s impact. One management representative remarked on the significance of sharing personal experiences, noting that despite sitting at the same table with a union representative for two years, it wasn’t until this happy hour that they truly connected as individuals. Such personal interactions are invaluable in breaking down barriers and fostering a cooperative environment.
Interestingly, the event also served as a platform for resolving ongoing issues among the unions. One union representative shared that discussions at the happy hour led to resolutions that had previously been challenging to navigate. This unexpected outcome illustrates the power of relationship building in creating a positive atmosphere for collaboration.
The importance of these gatherings was echoed by several participants, who emphasized the need for continued opportunities for interaction between management and union representatives.
“This can only happen because the AGC of Missouri can pull the five basic union trades together with signatory contractors, and we need to keep doing it,” said one union representative. Management members echoed this sentiment, advocating for regular networking events to maintain and grow these vital connections.
A special thank you goes to the chairs of the AGC of Missouri Labor Committees—Will Chipley (Carpenters Labor Committee), Dirk Elsperman (Cement Labor Committee), Lee Wyman (Ironworkers Labor Committee), Doug Wachsnicht (Laborers Labor Committee) and Tom Huster (Operating Engineers Labor Committee) for their efforts in personally inviting union representatives. And appreciation to the union leadership of the Cement Mason’s Local 527, Ironworkers Local 396, Mid-America Carpenters Regional Council, Missouri Kansas Laborers District Council and respective locals 42, 110, 660, 840 and Operating Engineers Local 513 for saying yes, showing up and participating to help make this a successful event.
As the AGC of Missouri looks ahead, the emphasis on relationship-building will undoubtedly pave the way for a more collaborative future.