Masonry Magazine April 1971 Page. 8
THOMAS F. MURPHY
President, BM&PIU of America
WHO ESTABLISHED THE INTERNATIONAL
MASONRY INSTITUTE?
IMI was created in July of 1970 as a national promotion trust fund by the Mason Contractors Association of America and the Bricklayers, Masons & Plasterers International Union. The IMI office is at 823 15th St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20005.
WHY WAS IMI CREATED?
IMI was established to promote the masonry industry's products and services through a national program of advertising, public relations, and promotion to reverse the downward trend in masonry construction.
WHO GOVERNS IMI?
Five Trustees representing the MCAA with the counsel of five Advisors representing the BM&PIU administer IMI. They are assisted by staff and a public relations/advertising agency.
HOW IS IMI FINANCED?
The BM&PIU and MCAA provided basic funding. Permanent funding will be provided through local union and mason contractor agreements which call for le an hour for each hour worked by BM&PIU members to be sent to IMI.
HOW MUCH MONEY WILL THIS PROVIDE?
Potentially, around $1.4 million will be available to mount an effective national campaign in competition with other building materials.
WHAT IS IMP'S POLICY CONCERNING LOCAL
MASONRY PROMOTION FUNDS AND CAM-
PAIGNS?
IMI encourages continuance of current local funds and campaigns and development of new ones. The IMI is not intended as a replacement for local funds and campaigns which are needed to solve the variety of problems which exist in each community. IMI efforts are providing a much-needed national backdrop for local promotions. The national office is also a source for promotion aids which can be used locally.
WHAT IMI INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE TO
HELP IN ESTABLISHING LOCAL AGREE-
MENTS?
Available upon request are copies of the national agreement between BM&PIU and MCAA establishing IMI. It includes an outline of IMI goals and details concerning the responsibilities of Trustees/Advisors. All of this information can easily be adapted for local use. Additional items are being developed. Guidance on an individual basis is also available from national officers of IMI, BM&PIU, and MCAA.
CAN UNION MEMBERS SERVE AS TRUSTEES
LOCALLY OR NATIONALLY?
No. The Courts have ruled that under federal law, joint labor management promotion funds must be directed by management representatives. But union representatives can serve as "Advisors" to such funds, and safeguards can be built into the trust agreement to assure that the interests of the union are not injured. Experience has indicated that when a Trustees/Advisors arrangement has been established on the basis of mutual interest and need, and a feeling of trust, cooperation and fair play, the federal regulation need not impair the effectiveness of the fund and promotion program.
WHO INITIATES ACTION IN ESTABLISHING A
LOCAL AGREEMENT TO SUPPORT IMI OR
SET UP A LOCAL PROMOTION CAMPAIGN IN
CONJUNCTION WITH IMI?
Any interested officer of the BM&PIU local union or of the MCAA chapter can initiate discussion to bring this about. The most logical local persons to bring all parties together are the principal officer of the local union and the principal officer of the MCAA chapter. IMI will provide assistance to them as will MCAA and BM&PIU national offices.