When Kinco began operations twenty-six years ago, it was not a Merit Shop company. Union officials confirmed my belief that low wages was not the key to success or profitability, but rather well paid skilled workers, working effectively equal the productivity that make for success and profits. I signed seven union contracts to represent Kinco’s employees and the union bosses smiled, slapped me on the back and told me they were going to “play ball” with Kinco and we would get top-notch employees. Over the next two years, I found out where the bat goes when you “play ball” with unions.

We were unable to transfer any employees to work on contracts we had won in Arkansas City, Benton, Pine Bluff, and Hot Springs because those were different jurisdictions of some of the construction trades. Certain employees were unable to do work for which they were qualified for, because the task was a different craft jurisdiction.

As our contract neared the expiration date, I sent a timely letter advising each union that we would not assign our bargaining rights and outlined relief we sought which would enable us to move unlimited number of employees onto jobs in other union jurisdictions. That relief would be gladly accepted by the unions in today’s market, but at that time they laughed, scoffed, and told me, “Boy, we’re going to teach you a lesson- we’re going to break you!”

The picket lines began. The threatening phone calls began. But we didn’t lose an employee, and as a matter of fact some who worked behind those picket lines are still here twenty-six years later.

A few months before the pickets began, I was introduced to the ABC philosophy of Merit Shop through the courtesy of my friend and subcontractor, Carl Springer. We met a few times with other Arkansas contractors who were in the process of organizing an Arkansas Chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors. I became a charter member in this chapter.

Leo Anhalt was our second President and he later became our National President and Chapter President again. He convinced me at the time of his first term to join the work with a common goal of establishing a strong Merit Shop presence in Arkansas.

Through the efforts of ABC workers like Leo Anhalt and John Trimmer (Mr. ABC), ABC has grown to become the most influential lobbying force in America. Through the efforts of this chapter, a comprehensive construction apprenticeship training program was approved by the Department of Labor. Our own Tommy Wasson was the first carpenter to graduate from the ABC Apprentice Program. The National ABC under the guidance of people like Ted Kennedy and Leo Anhalt established Wheels of Learning Training Program, the most comprehensive construction craft training program ever to be put to work for the benefit of construction companies.

One of our early victories was the efforts of this chapter members along with John Trimmer in setting up meetings with our two daily newspapers in Central Arkansas as well as the three network television stations the publicity received enough public support to influence Dale Bumpers help to sustain the filibuster against passage of the Common Situs Picketing Bill. It certainly would have passed the Senate, it had already passed the House and President Carter was ready to sign it into law. It would have been a devastating blow to Merit Shop.

I love my country, I love my industry, and I love the ABC. It has made my company stronger through it’s educational programs and seminars- both craft and supervisory training- and raised the awareness of construction users to the value of the Merit Shop. It has made me a better person by my association with other construction professionals. It has put us into position of negotiating contracts with people primarily because we are members of ABC.

At Kinco, I believe the money we spend for ABC annual dues is the best value of any item in our budget.

Remember, the statue and the image of the Minuteman with in one hand holding a gun and the other hand holding a plow. We should be ever vigilant against the encroachment of government and the unions on our right to manage. One of the best ways to ensure that and have a watchdog working for us is to support, work, and cooperate with the Associated Builders and Contractors.

Remember, Merit Shop Builds Best!

Jack Kinnaman, FAIC President, Kinco, Inc.