Labor unions face unique technology challenges, protecting sensitive member data, supporting staff who work both in the office and in the field, and ensuring operations stay efficient, transparent, and resilient. A 45-employee construction trades union based in Indianapolis partnered with AIS four years ago to modernize its IT environment and safeguard the systems that keep member services running.
This is the story of how AIS became a trusted technology partner for the union, enhancing cybersecurity, optimizing operations, and improving day-to-day productivity across the organization.
Client Overview
Organization: Regional construction trades union (anonymous client)
Industry: Labor Union / Construction Trades
Location: Indianapolis, Indiana
Employees: 45
Engagement Duration: 4 years (ongoing)
The union needed an IT partner that understood the operational rhythms of organized labor, where transparency, accountability, and protection of member information are paramount. They selected AIS to deliver a complete managed services solution.
The Challenge
Union leadership identified four critical technology gaps that needed to be addressed:
1. Outdated Infrastructure
Legacy systems slowed down collaboration and made remote work difficult for field representatives.
2. Heightened Cybersecurity Risks
Union files included sensitive member records, grievances, financial data, and contract information—requiring a robust cybersecurity framework.
3. Disconnected Procurement & Vendor Management
Hardware, software, and telecom services were managed inconsistently, leading to unnecessary costs and inefficiencies.
4. Need for Strategic IT Leadership
The organization wanted technology decisions to support long-term goals for member engagement, operational transparency, and service delivery.
AIS stepped in with a comprehensive, union-focused approach tailored to their specific needs.
AIS Solutions Delivered
1. Managed IT Services
AIS rebuilt the union’s IT foundation to support hybrid work and reliable service delivery:
- 24/7 Helpdesk for office staff and field reps
- Proactive monitoring, patching, and maintenance
- Migration to a secure Microsoft 365 environment
- Quarterly IT performance reviews and SLA tracking
This ensured the union’s staff had consistent, high-quality support no matter where they were working.
2. Cybersecurity Program
AIS implemented a layered defense strategy tailored to union operations, including:
- Endpoint detection and response (EDR)
- Multi-factor authentication (MFA) and conditional access
- Annual penetration testing and phishing simulations
- A customized incident response plan
- Guidance on cyber-insurance requirements
For an organization handling sensitive labor data, this cybersecurity program dramatically reduced risk.
3. Procurement & Vendor Management
AIS centralized and streamlined all purchasing and vendor oversight:
- Hardware lifecycle standardization
- Negotiated contracts across internet, VoIP & cloud services
- Centralized licensing for Microsoft, Adobe, QuickBooks
- A procurement playbook aligned with union budgeting cycles
The result: fewer surprises, fewer vendors to manage, and significant cost savings.
4. Strategic Technology Consulting
Beyond day-to-day support, AIS also helped the union look ahead:
- Advice on member-facing digital tools like SMS alerts and portals
- Technology input for grant funding applications
- KPIs for IT performance and member satisfaction
- Long-term planning for infrastructure upgrades
AIS became not just an IT provider, but a strategic partner in the union’s mission to serve its members and employees.
Business Impact
Across four years, the partnership delivered measurable improvements in security, productivity, and cost efficiency.
| Metric | Result |
| Helpdesk Resolution Time | ↓ 42% (average < 1 hour) |
| Major Cybersecurity Incidents | 0 in 4 years |
| Procurement Savings | $18,000 saved through consolidation |
| Staff Productivity | ↑ 22% from cloud tools & faster response times |
These results strengthened the union’s ability to support members, deliver services reliably, and operate with confidence.
Why the Union Chose AIS
AIS brought not only technical expertise, but also an understanding of union culture:
- Respect for the unique structures and governance of labor organizations
- Transparent reporting and budget-aligned planning
- Cybersecurity enhancements that did not disrupt daily workflows
- A people-focused approach that matched the union’s values
Over time, AIS has become a long-term, trusted advisor to leadership across IT, operations, and financial planning.
Ready to Strengthen Your Organization’s IT & Security?
AIS has deep experience supporting unions, nonprofit associations, and mission-driven organizations that require, above all, trust, reliability, and security.
If you’re ready to modernize your technology, reduce risk, and improve the way your team works, let’s talk.
Schedule a meeting with AIS today:
https://aisllp.com/get-started/