Report of the MCAA Union Committee

Words: Mark KempThe Union Committee would like to report that members of the union have been utilizing the MCAA association health plan for office employees and have saved quite a bit and represent a sizeable portion of the participants currently in the plan. If you are a union contractor, you are encouraged to get a quote for your employees not covered by the union health plan.

The Union Committee is continuing its efforts to update members of Congress on the need for pension reform. Committee Chairman Mark Kemp has been working with the Keelen Group to reach out to staff and committee members who have oversight.
The Craft of Brick Repair: The Difference Between a Coverup and a Solution
June 2026

More often than not, you can walk up to a wall, observe its condition, and get an entire timeline story. How it was built, how footers were set, and where water is routed. After years in the field, I’ve come to understand that brick repair isn’t maintenan

The Benefits of Concealed Lintel Systems in Modern Masonry
June 2026

When looking at iconic structures built throughout history, one of the most recognizable architectural elements is the masonry arch. These arches are not only aesthetically and visually pleasing but also serve as an engineering solution for structural sta

What’s New With CMU: A Closer Look From Ken Rathbun
June 2026

Anyone who’s spending time around CMU jobs today can see the shift. Concrete masonry isn’t just the backup wall; it is the finish on more projects. Thanks in part to the CMU check-off program and a broader focus on design and education, architects and own

Brick & Masonry Aesthetics: Managing Color, Consistency, and Architectural Expectations
June 2026

Brick and masonry remain among the most admired architectural materials in the world because of their natural beauty and authenticity. Masonry possesses depth, variation, texture, permanence, and character that synthetic cladding systems often struggle to