Labor and Employment

Manufacturing operations are meticulously scheduled and dependent on consistent in-person labor—so how can employers in the sector give workers the flexibility that many want?

With competition for workers remaining fierce, it’s a question that the Manufacturing Institute (the NAM’s workforce development and education affiliate) has started to tackle. Now, manufacturers looking into providing flexible options can consult a new MI whitepaper that draws on real companies’ experiences and decision-making processes. 

The new reality: Flexibility is a high priority for workers nowadays, as the MI’s own research shows.

• “Nearly 50% of manufacturing employees cite flexibility as a reason they stay with their employer, with 63.5% reporting that they would look for more flexibility in their next role if they were to leave their current company.”

Figuring it out: So how are manufacturers adjusting? According to a working group of 17 companies convened by the MI, many manufacturers have started by surveying their workers and talking through options with them.

• While feedback from current employees is often a prime motivator for companies considering flexible work arrangements, some manufacturers also pursue them to attract a wider pool of prospective workers—including parents of young children, who may put a premium on flexibility.

What’s on offer: As feedback from the working group showed, manufacturers are considering a wide range of creative options. The whitepaper cites several intriguing examples, which should give other manufacturers ideas for their own operations.

• One manufacturer in the group was trying out different shift options, remarking that they’re “exploring 4–9s and 4–10s primarily as well as adding a Sunday second shift and having folks on rotating shifts.”
• Other companies organized teams of “floaters.” At one firm, these employees work limited hours on different shifts and acquire a large variety of skills. While not full-time, such positions offer a viable option for workers in search of considerable flexibility.
• Shift swapping was another option under discussion, with one company allowing workers to swap up to a week at a time, so long as a supervisor approved.

How to get started: Check out the full whitepaper for more useful tips, including a toolkit to help companies start making these complex decisions on their own.

• Here is the recommended first step: “Identify the objectives that your company hopes to achieve in providing workplace flexibility by focusing on the challenges that you would like to solve, whether it’s increasing the number of applicants or reducing turnover and absenteeism. Establish your baseline by evaluating your company’s status on these metrics.”
• Manufacturing employers can learn more about effective approaches to flexibility for production employees at the MI’s upcoming workshop March 19–20 in Washington, D.C. Check out more details from the MI here. 

The last word: As one working group participant said, “At our company, we’ve seen what workplace flexibility means for our production workers. The change in company culture is so valuable.” 

Manufacturers scored a major victory last night when the House passed a bipartisan tax package containing provisions critical to the industry.

What’s going on: The House voted 357–70 to pass the bipartisan Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act. The bill includes three important manufacturing priorities:

• Restoring immediate R&D expensing for domestic research
• Reinstating full expensing (also known as 100% accelerated depreciation) for businesses’ capital investments
• Returning the U.S. to a pro-growth interest deductibility standard

What it means: The measure will enable manufacturers to invest in their businesses, create jobs and compete in the global marketplace.

• The bill is particularly important for small and medium-sized manufacturers, many of which experienced significant tax increases as a result of the expiration of these pro-growth provisions.
• “While it was once a paid expense, R&D is now a cost that many small businesses cannot afford,” said Carol Miller (R-WV), in a speech on the House floor last month.
• The overwhelming majority—89%—of respondents to the NAM’s Q4 2023 Manufacturers’ Outlook Survey said higher tax burdens on manufacturing would make it more difficult for them to hire, buy new equipment and expand their facilities. 

What’s next: It’s critical that the Senate now also pass the measure, the NAM said. 

• “Manufacturers thank [House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA)] and [House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith (R-MO)] for their leadership in passing the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act—and the bipartisan work in the House and Senate to secure progress for America’s manufacturing workers,” said NAM President and CEO Jay Timmons in a social post Wednesday night. “Manufacturers are now counting on the Senate to act quickly to restore these provisions that are absolutely critical to strengthening America’s competitiveness and growth of manufacturing in America.”
• Added Ketchie President and Owner and NAM Small and Medium Manufacturers Group Chair Courtney Silver, “This just isn’t about numbers on my financial statements and my tax returns—this is about taking care of the people here [at Ketchie] and in communities across this country…. Let’s restore some common-sense tax provisions, and let’s support our American manufacturers across our country.”

Washington, D.C. – Following House passage of the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act of 2024, National Association of Manufacturers President and CEO Jay Timmons and Ketchie President and Owner and NAM Small and Medium Manufacturers Group Chair Courtney Silver released the following statement:

“Manufacturers thank Speaker Johnson and Chairman Smith for their leadership in passing the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act—and the bipartisan work in the House and Senate to secure progress for America’s manufacturing workers,” said Timmons.

“Manufacturers are now counting on the Senate to act quickly to restore these provisions that are absolutely critical to strengthening America’s competitiveness and growth of manufacturing in America,” Timmons added. “We cannot afford to wait. The cost of delay or inaction will be measured in lost jobs and slower wage growth, along with investment ceded to other countries. Passing this legislation, however, will ensure that small manufacturers, who are the backbone of communities and foundation of America’s supply chain, can continue driving our nation forward.”

“When key tax provisions expired, it wasn’t just businesses like Ketchie that felt the pinch—it was our ability to support and create jobs that took a hit,” said Silver. “I thank Speaker Johnson and Chairman Smith for their efforts to ensure passage of the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act. This isn’t just about numbers on financial statements; it’s about taking care of people who make things in America and work at small manufacturing companies across our country.”

-NAM-

The National Association of Manufacturers is the largest manufacturing association in the United States, representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. Manufacturing employs nearly 13 million men and women, contributes $2.85 trillion to the U.S. economy annually and accounts for 53% of private-sector research and development. The NAM is the powerful voice of the manufacturing community and the leading advocate for a policy agenda that helps manufacturers compete in the global economy and create jobs across the United States. For more information about the NAM or to follow us on Twitter and Facebook, please visit www.nam.org.

Earlier this month, Congress unveiled the bipartisan Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act—and now it’s time it passed the legislation, the NAM recently urged congressional leaders.

What’s going on: The bipartisan tax package—a compromise between House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith (R-MO) and Senate Finance Committee Chairman Ron Wyden (D-OR)—would restore immediate R&D expensing for businesses, reinstate full expensing (also known as 100% accelerated depreciation) for businesses’ capital investments and return the U.S. to a pro-growth interest deductibility standard.

• Thanks to the NAM’s advocacy, the House Ways and Means Committee supported moving the legislation to the House floor by a bipartisan vote of 40–3.
• A vote on the House floor is expected tomorrow or Thursday, thanks in part to the NAM’s work.

Why it’s important: “All three of these tax policies have a long history of bipartisan support and are critical to strengthening America’s global competitiveness,” the NAM, along with more than 260 other businesses and allied groups, told House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA), House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) earlier this month.

• The policies “have enabled U.S. businesses to innovate, create [well]-paying jobs, protect our national security and remain at the cutting edge of the global economy. Restoring these provisions will have a profound impact on business investment, economic growth and job creation.”

Small businesses: The policies are particularly crucial for small- and medium-sized manufacturers, said Courtney Silver, president and owner of precision machining company Ketchie Inc. group chair of NAM Small and Medium Manufacturers Group.

• The absence of these three tax “provisions directly impacts our ability to invest in new technology, to purchase equipment and to create jobs,” she said.
• “Nearly 90% of manufacturers share similar concerns about their higher tax burden, and if left unaddressed, our companies and our teams will have a harder time securing an edge over our global competitors. … Passing this law would give companies like ours the certainty needed to plan for growth and more investments.” 

What you can do: Your members of Congress need to continue to hear why it is imperative they support this tax package. Add your voice at the NAM’s Tax Action Center.

Washington, D.C. – Ketchie President and Owner and National Association of Manufacturers Small and Medium Manufacturers Group Chair Courtney Silver released the following statement calling on Congress to advance key tax priorities included in the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act of 2024.

“There is so much at stake for small and medium-sized manufacturers as Congress debates pro-growth tax policy, which is why I strongly support the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act,” said Silver. “When Congress allowed immediate R&D expensing, interest deductibility and full expensing to expire, it created a higher tax bill and tremendous uncertainty for businesses like mine. The loss of these provisions directly impacts our ability to invest in new technology, to purchase equipment and to create jobs. Nearly 90% of manufacturers share similar concerns about their higher tax burden, and if left unaddressed, our companies and our teams will have a harder time securing an edge over our global competitors.

“This legislation restores those commonsense provisions, which would be a big jolt for manufacturers of all sizes. Passing this law would give companies like ours the certainty needed to plan for growth and more investments in our future.”

-NAM-

The National Association of Manufacturers is the largest manufacturing association in the United States, representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. Manufacturing employs nearly 13 million men and women, contributes $2.85 trillion to the U.S. economy annually and accounts for 53% of private-sector research and development. The NAM is the powerful voice of the manufacturing community and the leading advocate for a policy agenda that helps manufacturers compete in the global economy and create jobs across the United States. For more information about the NAM or to follow us on Twitter and Facebook, please visit www.nam.org.

Washington, D.C. – Yesterday, the National Association of Manufacturers, American Chemistry Council and CropLife America, along with representatives from 16 manufacturing companies and other business and agriculture groups, joined together to meet with 17 congressional offices, including 15 lawmakers and staff on the House Ways and Means Committee, urging immediate action to renew the Miscellaneous Tariff Bill.

“Manufacturers in the U.S. cannot afford this direct economic hit and need action to be taken as soon as possible. Passing MTB legislation will increase competitiveness, spur growth and support the success of manufacturers, farmers, businesses, workers, consumers and communities throughout the U.S., said the NAM.

“The American Chemistry Council and our members support the renewal of the Miscellaneous Tariff Bill. The MTB would support advanced manufacturing in the United States and domestic chemical production used to make products in key agriculture and food production and industrial sectors, including information technology, renewable energy and automotive goods.”

“The passage of a Miscellaneous Tariff Bill that is fully retroactive would help maintain farmers’ access to the essential pesticide products they need to grow food for the U.S. and the world. A renewed MTB would mean lower input prices resulting in decreased price pressures for U.S. farmers, ranchers and consumers,” said CropLife America.

The previous MTB expired in December 2020, and since then, manufacturers and other businesses continue to pay $1.3 million per day in tariffs—that amounts to $1.5 billion over three years that should and can be invested in job creation and innovation.

-NAM-

The National Association of Manufacturers is the largest manufacturing association in the United States, representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. Manufacturing employs nearly 13 million men and women, contributes $2.85 trillion to the U.S. economy annually and accounts for 53% of private-sector research and development. The NAM is the powerful voice of the manufacturing community and the leading advocate for a policy agenda that helps manufacturers compete in the global economy and create jobs across the United States. For more information about the NAM or to follow us on Twitter and Facebook, please visit www.nam.org.

-CropLife America-

Established in 1933, CropLife America (www.croplifeamerica.org) represents the developers, manufacturers, formulators, and distributors of plant science solutions for agriculture and pest management in the United States. CropLife America’s member companies produce, sell, and distribute virtually all the necessary and vital pesticide and biotechnology products used by American farmers. CLA can be found on Twitter at @CropLifeAmerica.

-American Chemistry Council-

The American Chemistry Council’s mission is to advocate for the people, policy, and products of chemistry that make the United States the global leader in innovation and manufacturing. To achieve this, we: Champion science-based policy solutions across all levels of government; Drive continuous performance improvement to protect employees and communities through Responsible Care®; Foster the development of sustainability practices throughout ACC member companies; and Communicate authentically with communities about challenges and solutions for a safer, healthier and more sustainable way of life. Our vision is a world made better by chemistry, where people live happier, healthier, and more prosperous lives, safely and sustainably—for generations to come.

Washington, D.C. – The National Association of Manufacturers announced new 2024 leadership for its Council of Manufacturing Associations at the CMA 2024 Winter Leadership Conference. Jennifer Abril, president and CEO of the Society of Chemical Manufacturers & Affiliates, will serve as chair, and Alison Bodor, president and CEO of the American Frozen Food Institute, will serve as vice chair.

“The CMA’s mission is to demonstrate the vital importance of manufacturing to the American economy,” said Abril. “In collaboration with the NAM, the CMA’s member associations will advocate for job creation, investment and innovation in American manufacturing. The strength and weight of the CMA’s voice is unparalleled, and I am honored to serve as the champion for our collective industries’ resilience and growth.”

Made up of more than 200 industry-specific manufacturing associations representing 130,000 companies worldwide, the CMA creates powerful partnerships across the industry, working with the NAM to unite the manufacturing association community, and ultimately the broader business community, around strategies for increased manufacturing job creation, investment and innovation in America.

“Jennifer and Alison have been instrumental to the success of the CMA, particularly in pushing back against an onslaught of unsustainable regulations that would crush President Biden’s goal of growing manufacturing in the United States,” said NAM President and CEO Jay Timmons. “We are confident that they will work in their expanded roles to amplify manufacturers’ voices and further position our industry for global leadership.”

Abril has led SOCMA since 2016. Prior to that, she served as the president of the International Fragrance Association, North America and held leadership positions at the American Chemistry Council. She previously served as CMA vice chair.

Newly appointed 2024 CMA board members include the following:

• Stephen Kaminski, president and CEO, National Propane Gas Association
• Kelly Mariotti, president and CEO, Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers
• Ellen Thorp, executive director, EPDM Roofing Association

-NAM-

The National Association of Manufacturers is the largest manufacturing association in the United States, representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. Manufacturing employs nearly 13 million men and women, contributes $2.85 trillion to the U.S. economy annually and accounts for 53% of private-sector research and development. The NAM is the powerful voice of the manufacturing community and the leading advocate for a policy agenda that helps manufacturers compete in the global economy and create jobs across the United States. For more information about the NAM or to follow us on Twitter and Facebook, please visit www.nam.org

On Thursday, members of Congress took to the House floor to show their strong support for manufacturers’ top tax priorities.

• The NAM is waging an all-out campaign to restore these pro-growth provisions, and key House members added their voices by calling on congressional leadership to schedule a vote as soon as possible.

What’s going on: Yesterday evening, a group of House members lined up for short speeches urging their peers in the chamber to join them in making three immediate tax changes: reinstating immediate R&D expensing; loosening a strict interest limitation; and returning to full expensing (also known as 100% accelerated depreciation) for capital investments.

• Kevin Hern (R-OK) highlighted the harm to America’s competitiveness caused by Congress’ failure to act, asking, “How can we expect to compete with China when it is more expensive to invest, innovate and grow here in the United States of America?”
• Jodey Arrington (R-TX) echoed that message, saying Congress can “supercharge America’s competitiveness” by giving businesses the certainty to plan job-creating investments.

Why it’s important: Without the restoration of immediate R&D expensing, a pro-growth interest deductibility standard and full expensing for capital investments, manufacturing jobs, R&D and competitiveness will all be in jeopardy.

• In the NAM’s Q4 2023 Manufacturers’ Outlook Survey, 89% of respondents said higher tax burdens on manufacturing activities would make it more difficult to expand their workforces, invest in new equipment or expand their facilities.

Take action: Manufacturers’ voices are crucial during the ongoing negotiations. Visit our Tax Action Center to send your own message about these tax priorities directly to Congress.

Jacqueline Cooley spends her days coaching manufacturing employees and helping them build better lives. So when she was looking to improve her professional skills and career trajectory, she knew it would be valuable to find her own coach or mentor.

Cooley found a great match through the Women MAKE Mentorship Program, a free initiative run by the Manufacturing Institute (the NAM’s workforce development and education affiliate), which aims to strengthen women’s careers in the industry by connecting them with peer advisers.

She recently told us about her experience with the program and what it has meant for her career so far.

A better life: Cooley is a better life coach at JBM Packaging, an “eco-friendly, flexible packaging” manufacturer in Lebanon, Ohio, which prioritizes hiring and supporting those who have been involved with the justice system. These “fair chance” hires make up about half the company’s approximately 160-person workforce.

• “I haven’t really found anybody else who does what we do,” said Cooley, whose job entails management of the fair chance program and its participants. “We have life coaching, financial coaching, our Wheels [car leasing] program. We do parental coaching; there are loans [employees] can take out. It’s holistic.”

A coach finds a coach: “I saw [the mentorship program] on the MI’s website and was immediately interested because I’d been looking for a mentor,” Cooley told us.

• “It has been really good. My mentor and I both work in human resources. She’s someone I can bounce ideas off.”
• “I’m at a point in my career where I wanted somebody else’s guidance, wanted to get [the benefit of] their experience in the HR world and learn the steps they took to get to the next level,” she added.

How it works: The MI pairs its mentors—all of whom are volunteers—with mentees based on personal and professional goals and interests, communication style and a dozen other criteria provided through a self-assessment.

• Cooley’s mentor—who works in human resources for another manufacturer—has already helped Cooley fulfill one of her primary goals: to broaden her network in the industry and meet more people.
• “My mentor has been in HR for 20 years or so, and she has a lot of contacts in the [Cincinnati] area and is well-connected,” said Cooley. “She’s invited me to her [workplace], had me talk to other people there, invited me to other [events]. I’ve met a lot of people through her.”

What’s next: Cooley, who said she is considering becoming a mentor herself once she finishes the nine-month program, said more women in manufacturing should participate.

• “It’s a great way to make connections with other women,” she said. “Don’t sell yourself short by thinking you don’t have anything to offer. The mentor can learn from the mentee as well as vice versa. It will open up opportunities for you.”

Dive deeper: To learn more about the MI’s free Women MAKE Mentorship Program, click here or contact the team at [email protected].

Washington, D.C. – National Association of Manufacturers President and CEO Jay Timmons released the following statement on U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s closure of two critical rail ports in Texas:

“Each day that rail operations at Eagle Pass and El Paso are suspended, more American jobs are put at risk. Snarling supply chains in this way could throw manufacturing production into disarray. Mexico is the United States’ largest trading partner, which means this shutdown threatens to inject serious uncertainty into the economy heading into the New Year.

“Manufacturers support CBP in their mission to protect national security, but stifling trade between the U.S. and Mexico is a direct threat to our economic competitiveness. It is not the solution to immigration challenges, but it does wrongly punish those who are not at fault. The NAM will continue working with the White House, CBP and leaders in the House and Senate to swiftly reopen the rail ports. This is yet another painful consequence of our broken immigration system, and our leaders need to recognize the urgency of fixing that system. Manufacturers are focused on solutions that uphold our laws and strengthen our economy.”

-NAM-

The National Association of Manufacturers is the largest manufacturing association in the United States, representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. Manufacturing employs nearly 13 million men and women, contributes $2.91 trillion to the U.S. economy annually and accounts for 53% of private-sector research and development. The NAM is the powerful voice of the manufacturing community and the leading advocate for a policy agenda that helps manufacturers compete in the global economy and create jobs across the United States. For more information about the NAM or to follow us on Twitter and Facebook, please visit www.nam.org.