How to work successfully with contract labor
We asked Mike Mills, a veteran I&D manager at Skyline, for advice on how to work successfully with the contract labor force at trade shows. Here's what he said:
Learn union or contract regulations and understand union jurisdictions. At any given show you will deal with many support people - the list could include carpenters, riggers, electricians, plumbers, stagehands, freight handlers and decorators. Often each specialist is under the jurisdiction of a different union.
Work within the regulations - show laborers have a job to do and are usually very professional about it. When problems arise, there are systems in place to address them. The labor desk at shows can solve most misunderstandings or refer them onto someone who can.
Awareness of the work at hand is important to get the most out of your labor dollar. If you have questions, don't hesitate to call one of the general contractors and ask them. Don't begrudge a union worker for hourly service rates. They don't set those rates and their wages don't necessarily reflect those rates. Above all, treat show laborers professionally and they will hold you in the same high regard.