[NATIONAL] FEATURE
by Chasidy Rae Sisk
Industry Leaders Applaud AASP/MA’s Efforts to Unite and Take a Stand Massachusetts collision repairers raised the standard of what it means to unite and take a stand for the industry when over 300 industry professionals gathered on Beacon Hill to fight for higher labor rates – and their rallying battle cry reached the ears of industry leaders all around the country who cheered their efforts from a distance. “It’s impressive that so many auto body professionals got together to fight for their livelihood…and rightfully so because no one in their right mind who knows anything about this industry feels $40 or even $50 an hour is a reasonable rate,” stated Jerry McNee, president of the Alliance of Automotive Service Professionals of New Jersey (AASP/ NJ). “Our costs have gone up, and when you combine those business expenses with the amount we’re now paying technicians, shops are losing money on every car they’re fixing…or they’re just not fixing them properly, unless they’re crossing every T and dotting every I,” McNee continued. “Insurers set this precedent and refuse to entertain any rate increases. It’s time to stop accepting the status quo, and AASP/MA’s rally made it apparent that Massachusetts repairers are demanding a change!” As business owners collecting the lowest labor rate in the country while operating in an area with some of the nation’s highest living costs, it’s no wonder that auto body professionals in the Commonwealth have had enough! “It’s evident that you have a market in distress with some of the highest costs in the industry and the lowest labor rates,” expressed Society of Collision Repair Specialists Executive Director Aaron Schulenburg. “They’ve been fighting a battle on this issue and trying to resolve it legislatively for over a decade, and the repair facilities in the Massachusetts market have worked really hard to convey to their state officials just how dire the situation is for their businesses.” Jordan Hendler, executive director of the Washington Metropolitan Auto Body Association (WMABA), sees the rally as “a really good example of the industry working together for a common cause. In this industry where our colleagues are also our competitors, it’s really refreshing to see a group of repairers who are upholding our community above their individual shops, especially when it comes to labor rates.” “Creating awareness of the issues faced by shops is imperative,” agreed Mike Anderson (Collision Advice). “It’s so hard to get people to act on these problems, and I applaud AASP/MA and the industry professionals who rallied for taking actions; however, I implore them: Don’t let it stop there! Now that you’ve created awareness, you need to build on it and continue to grow that grassroots effort.” “I commend AASP/MA for taking this to the State House,” Burl Richards, president of the Auto Body Association of Texas (ABAT), praised the rally efforts. “This type of action is needed across the country in order to get this industry back on track. We need ‘doers,’ and we need associations like this to stand up and take the lead on these issues. With that being said, the actual shops have to take the time to be involved and recognize that they are in control of their own destinies.” What’s the best way for an individual shop to take control of its 24 July 2022
New England Automotive Report
destiny? By joining (and actively participating in) its local association, of course! Association membership offers many benefits for repairers, including education, camaraderie and more, in addition to legislative activities. “Several states have explored legislation for reimbursement of non-included operations, and some have been successful in their efforts,” Anderson shared. “But those initiatives only succeeded because of the strong associations in those markets and their ability to come together to focus on the things they have in common like staffing, training and technology, instead of getting stuck on what makes us different. Associations emphasize our common ground.” “Anytime businesses can leverage the scope of a larger combined voice, they can benefit from the prominence that comes with that,” Schulenburg noted. “As a small business, it’s hard to both manage day-to-day operations and advocate for yourself, and it can also be challenging to see outside of your own situation. Associations benefit from a more expansive viewpoint made up of many of their members, rather than just singular experiences. I think that’s why organizations like ours and AASP/MA place such high priority on both bringing information to the members and also using the membership feedback received to be a representative voice.” Richards offered a list of the benefits shops can derive from association participation.
"We need ‘doers,’ and we need associations like this to stand up and take the lead on these issues." “Auto body shops face a lot of challenges, and many of these issues can be addressed by getting involved with your local association: education in regard to proper and safe repairs, ideas and examples of how other shops manage and oversee their shops, ways to improve employee retention, generally keeping up with the status of the industry, communicating with other shops is key to being successful, legislative agendas that are aimed toward industry and consumer safety, proper reimbursement, understanding your cost of doing business and so much more.” “Providing education is one of the most obvious benefits that associations offer because it allows repairers to come together to mutually learn,” Hendler pointed out. “These training sessions help shops find common ground on things like following OE repair procedures. With so many changes impacting our industry every day, the need for training shouldn’t be a contentious point for anyone.” “Running a collision repair shop in today’s world is complex, and shops aren’t getting it on their own,” McNee insisted. “A lot of these
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