Whois & Analysis for abc.org

A merit shop is term which refers to a firm or organization without a labor union.

Management retains the right to perform hiring, promotion, salary adjustments, bonuses and termination based on the laws of the state and federal government, along with its evaluation of individual's ability to accomplish the tasks assigned to them by the employer.

By Law, these decisions will not be biased by age, race, national origin, organizational affiliation, seniority, color, creed and sex.

The term "Merit Shop" was coined by John Trimmer, who served from 1952 to 1976 as an officer of the Associated Builders and Contractors, an American trade association consisting primarily of non-union construction contractors.

In common usage, "merit shop" is often synonymous with being non-union or open shop.

A trade association, also known as an industry trade group, business association, sector association or industry body, is an organization founded and funded by businesses that operate in a specific industry.

An industry trade association participates in public relations activities such as advertising, education, political donations, lobbying and publishing, but its focus is collaboration between companies.

Associations may offer other services, such as producing conferences, networking or charitable events or offering classes or educational materials.

Many associations are non-profit organizations governed by bylaws and directed by officers who are also members.

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) is Australia's national public broadcaster, owned and funded by the government.

The ABC plays a leading role in the history of broadcasting in Australia.

With a total annual budget of A$1.22 billion, the corporation provides television, radio, online and mobile services throughout metropolitan and regional Australia, as well as overseas through the Australia Network and Radio Australia.

Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) is a national U.S. trade association representing the non-union construction industry.

ABC is association of 70 chapters with 21,000 commercial contractors and construction-related firms among its members.

The association was founded in Baltimore, Maryland in 1950 to advocate "for free enterprise and open competition in the U.S. construction industry." ABC's strategic partners are, specializing in construction software, and, specializing in insurance for the construction industry.

Their positions regarding the Davis-Bacon Act and Project Labor Agreements often pit them in political battles against labor unions from the building trades.

The Center for Responsive Politics has designated ABC as a "Heavy Hitter", rating it among the largest overall contributors to federal elections over the past two decades.

The group also ranks among the 50 largest trade associations in the nation according to Washington Business Journal.

ABC endorsed Governor Mitt Romney during the 2012 Republican primary after the candidate addressed its national board, and backed him in his general election race against President Barack Obama.

The United States of America (USA), commonly known as the United States (U.S) or America, is a constitutional federal republic composed of 50 states, a federal district, five major self-governing territories, and various possessions.