NSCA is often asked to take a stance on debated issues that face our industry. It is important that our members are aware of the position NSCA takes on the following issues:
Association Antitrust
NSCA Adheres to the strictest guidelines to comply with federal antitrust laws. Therefore we have policies governing the discussions and subjects discussed at Board meetings. The guideline for discussion at meetings is contained in section six of the directors policy handbook and each director is trained on the purpose and meaning of that document during board member orientation.
Company Licensing
NSCA supports licenses for electronic systems companies only in the cases where the license is specific to the type of work done by that company and that they are not forced to carry a license for work they don't do. In addition, we will support those licenses only if the law is clear and concise, that the organization is not forced to join a specific trade group or any one association. NSCA does not support a company license that simply grandfathers the company and requires no training of its filed installation or technical personnel. NSCA believes that that governance of the regulatory agency should be done by a group of industry peers.
Individual Licensing
NSCA supports licensing individuals only in the cases where the license is specific to the type of work done by that person and that they are not forced to carry a license for work they don't do. In addition, we will support licensing only when the law is clear and concise, fair to all parities involved and that the individual is not forced to join a specific trade group or any one association. NSCA does not support a license that simply grandfathers the person in based on unrelated work experience. We support licensing only when the state or local code and laws prescribe it and only when the costs associated with such license are fair and not a financial burden for either the company or the individual. NSCA believes that the governance of the regulatory agency should be done by a group of industry peers.
Political Contributions
NSCA does not donate member money to any political action committee or make contributions to lawmakers on a local, state, or national level. NSCA does not operate a PAC or contribute to other industry organizations that manage them.
Lobbying
While NSCA does from time to time support model legislation, we do not have lobbyists on staff nor do we contract the services of a paid lobbyist. Currently we have no one registered in any state as a lobbyist.
Organized Labor
NSCA maintains a complete neutral position on organized labor. It is our belief that the member companies should make all decisions regarding its workforce and that NSCA should not influence that decision. NSCA does encourage its members to adhere to the laws governing all labor practices and work conditions; therefore we encourage our members to maintain compliance with all federal and state labor laws.
Standard Occupational Classifications
NSCA has developed unique occupational classifications that are specific to the installers and technicians in any low-voltage systems occupation should use this in order to establish prevailing wages for that profession in a specific geographic location.
Standard Industry Classifications
NSCA believes that a unique industry classification is best for our industry and has worked to get several new classifications established. We encourage our members to select the most suitable category that best fits their company and use it to establish rates for insurance and other financial considerations. We do not support the use of a classification outside the primary scope of work being conducted by a particular business.
Public Inspection Files
NSCA maintains public inspection files located at the association headquarters. These files are available to any member company at their request. Appointments are necessary in order to inspect the files and can only be done in person.
Electronic Waste and Electronics Recycling
NSCA supports an approach to the e-waste challenge that includes bringing manufacturers, contractors/integrators, end users/building owners and governments alike together to develop a common-sense federal solution. NSCA believes the lack of a national policy in the United States has lead to the mix of state laws and initiatives that are in place today. These state approaches will place avoidable burdens on all of the interested parties including the governments themselves. NSCA further recognizes that e-waste is a global problem and countries have offered varied solutions. These solutions should be analyzed to better understand their potential benefits and shortfalls prior to formulating the federal policy.
The United States House of Representatives Committee on Science and Technology held a hearing to review the current management and overall challenges of waste electronic equipment (e-waste) in the United States. Chairman Bart Gordon (D-TN) and Committee Members questioned witnesses on industry practices for recycling, refurbishment, re-sale and disposal of electronic products.
Currently 13 states have legislation surrounding e-waste policies and regulations. While most states do not specifically call out products commonly used in commercial electronic systems, some states do refer to items such as lead and mercury. NSCA continues to monitor state e-waste legislation and is planning educational opportunities and partnerships to bring the most current and useful information to its members.
For more information on the hearing and to read testimony, visit:
http://science.house.gov/publications/hearings_markups_details.aspx?NewsID=2170
Codes and Standards
NSCA is an independent group who works with several code-making organizations and regulatory agencies. While NSCA does make recommendations to outside organizations, we are not a code-making organization nor do we create standards and a stand-alone organization.
Product Safety
NSCA works to improve the safety of all products within our industry. Our primary concern is the welfare and safety of the people installing the equipment and the customers of our industry. NSCA is not a regulatory agency and does not mandate specific product safety requirements upon the members. NSCA does encourage our members to strictly adhere to the standard of regulatory agencies and manufacturers recommended procedures for installation.
CSI MasterFormat™
NSCA is in support of the expansion of the CSI MasterFormat to create a unique division for communications, electronic systems and other new technology. This support is based on our industry benefiting from the increased visibility and coordination of materials and work results. Our support is not based on realignment of existing trade jurisdictions or procurement methods.
Apprenticeship and EST Training
NSCA supports the new EST apprenticeship program and encourages its members where applicable to participate in this program. In addition, we encourage other organizations regardless of any union agreements or open shop philosophies to join in this program. This program is open to both NSCA members and non-members. NSCA mandates that all who participate follow the guidelines for participation.
Model Legislation
NSCA is actively working to provide model legislation for licensing requirements. In states where licensing is a requirement, or a pending bill is introduced, NSCA provides our industry's viewpoint on documents and testimony that will convince law makers to recognize our industry properly so they will create fair and meaningful licenses. We strive to have law-makers recognize our profession and our industry to protect ad advance our industry's occupation classifications with this model legislation. We're speaking on behalf of our members to ensure they have the right to do business as they see fit.