Supporting Our Members Through the COVID Pandemic ... And Beyond

It’s been over a year since the COVID-19 pandemic began affecting all of our lives. As we reflect on the past year, one thing remains clear: MPC has been there every step of the way, supporting and helping our members through the many daily challenges we
continue to face.

Members helping members ... timely and accurate information ... updates on changing protocols and laws ... essential and non-essential work parameters ... back-to-work guidelines ... these are just a few of the many ways MPC has helped keep members knowledgeable, safe and compliant during these trying times.

“Throughout the crisis, MPC has played a critically important role in helping to keep members up-to-date on all the many rules, regulations and protocols,” reports Rick Bonelli, President. “While our members are out there working hard every day, we at the MPC are focusing on the changes recently put in place and those that are potentially being planned. We are always looking after the best interests of our membership.”

We continue to work together to provide the most current information possible as well as the resources needed to assist members in operating safely in a constantly changing environment. Member input and participation, along with the knowledge and efforts of our hard-working Committees, makes it all possible.

Sending Daily COVID-19 Updates
Beginning in March 2020, MPC issued daily COVID-19 email updates designed to help members through the crisis. Developed by the MPC, the information was largely derived from official government sources and issued at the direction of the Executive Board. With changes coming in on a daily basis, MPC responded as quickly as possible, often with multiple email updates in a day. “These daily updates were one of the most valuable resources for members,” reports Rick Bonelli. “They helped to clarify and explain the huge amounts of information issued by the city, state and federal government.”

Alerts covered topics from health and safety guidelines to permit and license renewals and extensions, ... from explaining ‘essential’ and ‘non-essential’ parameters to vital re-opening guidelines and much more. “We gather that information and inform you of what you need to do to be compliant,” emphasizes Rick. “Just to name some of the things we presented were DOB Now info, Licensing info, OSHA info, Gas work qualification & OQ training.”

Along with daily alerts, MPC provided links to important external resources for financial and legal guidance including NYC Department of Small Businesses, SBA Disaster Assistance Loans and application for PPP loans. Timely and accurate information on these topics and others helped members continue to operate safely and in compliance within a continually shifting environment.

Encouraging Open Lines of Communication with MPC Committees
From the early months of the pandemic, onward, MPC committees have been hard at work addressing member concerns and issues during the crisis. The MPC actively maintains a dialogue with various city agencies including the DOB, DEP and DOT, and Utilities, gaining valuable information for clarification on rules governing important topics.

The committees’ expertise and in-depth knowledge assist members in gaining an understanding of and complying with the rules governing the plumbing industry. Our members’ input and questions make us aware of potential industry issues and enable us to address the issues before they become widespread.

MPC committees assist members with inquiries ranging from licensing issues and Code questions to challenges that may have occurred on the job. Committees typically respond to these inquiries within one business day, reviewing the job, and helping to rectify the situation if needed. MPC committees are an invaluable source of information and help to expedite a wide range of member issues. “Keep in mind there will shortly be a NYC Building code revision update and we at MPC were privileged to be accepted to participate on committees that revised the codes that regulate our industry,” reports Rick. “We will be here to help members understand what will affect them most.”

Providing Support from Lockdown to Start-up ... and Beyond
The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in widespread NYC agency adjustments and modifications, with on-line contact as the only means of communication for many important issues.

Acting as Liaison to City Agencies. MPC was a vital link in helping members who were unable to resolve issues online or gain access to much-needed documents. “NYC agencies operating at reduced capacities posed a big problem for many with little or no access to vital agency services,” reports Anthony Vigilante, MPC Vice President. “Licensing renewals became an important issue to members whose licenses were about to expire. “One of the greatest benefits we were able to provide was assistance regarding licensing. “While adjustments and modifications have eased up a bit, city agencies are still not yet fully staffed and operational.”

Understanding Essential vs. Non-Essential Work Scopes. During lockdown, plumbers were not allowed to work unless work they were performing was deemed essential. “The parameters surrounding the concept of “essential” became very confusing,” says Len Williams, Treasurer of MPC. “In response, bulletins were sent out to members on a regular basis as the parameters of essential and non-essential businesses changed continuously. MPC, working closely with the DOB, was successful in clarifying the parameters of Emergency Repair work and helping to expedite the permitting process.”

Communicating the Rules and Protocols of Returning to Work. The DOB released Phase 1 of the reopening guidelines for the June 8, 2020 reopening in NYC. Regulations and procedures for returning to work were stringent ... the rules had to be followed.

Understanding all the protocols and regulations was no easy task. Adhering to the guidelines was crucial and included complying with social distancing protocols, face coverings, readily available hygiene and handwashing stations, visible signage, distancing guidelines, reporting on COVID contact, cleaning and disinfecting of tools and more. MPC reported on many clarifications regarding these protocols, rules and regulations to ensure compliance and strict adherence to all guidelines, as they became available.

Just prior to re-opening, MPC hosted a comprehensive webinar put out by Jackson-Lewis titled “Back in the Groove – Labor and Employment Considerations for the Return to Work”. This webinar, exclusive to MPC members only, provided a clear explanation of NYS and NYC reopening guidelines ... site safety plan ... employee protocols ... training and documentation requirements and proper practices to mitigate the spread of the virus – these topics were explained in this important webinar, free of charge to all members.

Supporting Our Valuable Affiliate Members
Over the past year, our Affiliate members have continued to support us despite the challenges and hardships presented by COVID-19 ... and we, in turn, are deeply committed to their wellbeing and success. While safety protocols forced us to cancel the 6th Annual Affiliate Appreciation Night scheduled for April 7th, we continued to find ways to connect with each other during this difficult time.

Many of our Affiliates have created virtual seminars or webinars for new products, training or other very important topics. Some Affiliates also have new products that they want to introduce to us. Please visit www.nycmpc.org/AffiliateMembers for a directory of Affiliate Members. We encourage you to show your appreciation to our Affiliate members by participating in these webinars and special training sessions. Not only does your participation confirm our commitment ... it is a great opportunity to increase your knowledge of the many products and services offered by our Affiliate members!
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“MPC never stopped working during the past year ... rather, we ramped up to make sure members were kept abreast of important information,” concludes Rick. “We continue to work diligently in helping our members stay safe, compliant and successful during these unprecedented times. One of the great things I learned when I first became a member was how networking helped me in so many ways. Just talking with other members about the challenges I faced, and knowing they were facing the same issues, made me feel I was not alone. I am incredibly proud of the many ways I see members helping members. We are here to help and support each other in every way we can.”