1980s
1980
Ron Harris elected President of the Mechanical Contractors Association of America (MCAA).
July
1981 MCAA Convention:
"Moved, seconded and carried to approve the establishment of a $5,000 president's scholarship fund. This fund will be dedicated to provide financial assistance for hardship cases involving plumber and pipefitter apprentices and pre-apprentices in Minneapolis and St. Paul area. This fund will be especially helpful to assist in recruiting minorities, women and others who need assistance to complete the local nine month day school prior to their on-the-job training. This fund is established in lieu of the President's Reception at the MCAA Convention, which is normally sponsored by the president's local association."
1981
January
TCPIA developed and distributed to the membership a subcontract rider to be used to modify the Minnesota Associated General Contractors Standard Subcontract Agreement.
August
TCPIA attained a victory when the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) refuses a rate increase of $8.4 million requested by Minnegasco. TCPIA revealed to the PUC that the Minnegasco piping service and installation division was subsidized by natural gas rates. The victory was achieved through seven years of hard work and financial commitment by the Association and members.
1982
January
The Survival Committee was established. The Survival Committee is a joint labor-management cooperative effort to improve the union-employing mechanical contracting industry.
December
First annual MCAA teleconference, "Productivity Breakthrough", was sponsored by TCPIA
1983
June
"A report was given on a proposed St. Paul ordinance exempting the City. of St. Paul from payment of permit fees on city property and allowing only certificates of competency for journeyman performing work on city property. Board agreed with permit fee exemptions but felt city should have masters the same as required of contractors."
November
TCPIA extended two labor agreements six months prior to expiration. The two settlements were the earliest ones ever negotiated by the Association.
1984
May
The State of Minnesota passed a law requiring permits and increased inspections for high pressure piping.
TCPIA signed its first collective bargaining agreement with the Minneapolis Plumbers Local #15. TCPIA now negotiates with all four United Association local unions in the Twin Cities.s)
September
Don Manguson leaves the Association and Steve Pettersen becomes the Executive Vice President.
1985
October
Discussions continued between the industry, unions and the cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul to pass city ordinances for reciprocal licenses.
1986
July
After a twenty year effort, reciprocal licensing between Minneapolis and St. Paul was achieved. Licenses and competency cards for refrigeration, gas, oil, steam, and plumbing were accepted.
October
The Association, along with the St. Paul Pipefitters Local 455, organized a one-day "Elderly Heating Assistance Program." Approximately 50 furnaces were repaired and maintained at no charge to the elderly homeowner.
1987
April/May
The Board of Directors spent three consecutive late nights in hotel rooms but managed to settle with the four UA locals without a work stoppage.
July
The TCPIA became the Minnesota Mechanical Contractors Association.
August
The Board of Directors began a Strategic Planning process to guide the mechanical industry into the future.
October
The second annual Elderly Heating Assistance Program was expanded to include both the St. Paul Pipefitters #455 and Minneapolis Pipefitters #539. Over 150 heating systems of elderly homeowners were repaired and maintained.
December
Association assembled an Association history brochure. Don Manguson made a presentation on the Association history at the Annual Dinner Dance.
1988
January
Association started a new member campaign with James Kolar as Chair. By the end of the year, the successful campaign resulted in eleven new members.
March
The Association, along with both pipefitter locals, advertised on WCCO-Radio for twenty Minnesota Twins baseball games during that season.
July
Association obtained its first fax machine.
August
Association signed a new Sewer and Drain Cleaning Agreement with St. Paul Plumbers. Agreement includes a new lower paid Metal Trades classification.
November
Minnesota OSHA approved Association Right to Know program.
1989
January
Association's twelve-page full color, glossy advertisement appeared in Contractor magazine.
May
Settlements with St. Paul Pipefitters and Minneapolis Plumbers. Minneapolis Pipefitters settled for 68 cent and 70 cent over two years after an eleven day strike.
June
Association helped the State of Minnesota in its fight against non-union contractor BE&K concerning pipefitter apprentice ratios.
August
First Annual Golf Tournament was held at Backett's Crossing in Lakeville. Over 50 contractors enjoyed a day of relaxation and sunshine.
October
For the fourth straight year, The Association, along with the two pipefitter locals, participated in the Elderly and Disabled Heating Assistance Program. Over 275 homes were worked on that year.
Through Association efforts, the University of Minnesota joined the State of Minnesota in implementing a bid/proposal-posting policy. This policy allows the two AIA mechanical and electrical sections to be bid two working days prior to a single-prime bid due date.

