Construction employment in July remained below the levels reached before the pre-pandemic peak in February 2020 in 36 states, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of government employment data released today. Association officials said construction employment would benefit from new federal infrastructure investments and urged the House to quickly pass the bipartisan infrastructure bill.
The agenda is coming together and registration is open for the 2021 Construction HR and Training Professionals Conference to be held October 14-15, 2021, in St. Louis, Missouri.
Free to 51·çÁ÷ Members
With the Delta-variant-fueled surge of COVID-19 cases leading to new CDC masking guidance, statewide mandates, uncertain federal contractor requirements, potential private owner mandates, and the specter of further restrictions, you may have a renewed interest in seeing the vaccination rate at your worksite climb. But what can you do, legally and practically, to help move that rate higher?
51·çÁ÷ of America recently provided comments on the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation’s (PBGC) interim final rule implementing the American Rescue Plan Act’s (ARPA) special financial assistance program. The special financial assistance program is designed to help financially troubled multiemployer pension plans avoid insolvency for the next 30 years.
In a July 21 decision, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB or Board) in Lippert Components, Inc., found that a union did not violate the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) by displaying a 12-foot inflatable rat (known as Scabby the Rat) and two large banners, one targeting a neutral employer, near the public entrance to a trade show.
On Aug. 4, 51·çÁ÷ of America’s Federal & Heavy Construction Division participated at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Executive Governance Meeting, which gathers Army Corps commanders from across the agency. 51·çÁ÷ and the Army Corps discussed solutions to the challenges facing our nation’s infrastructure, and how the Army Corps can better partner with the construction industry. 51·çÁ÷ emphasized the strain contractors are facing with construction materials at record high prices and the continued availability challenges. 51·çÁ÷ urged Commanders to partner with 51·çÁ÷ Chapters and member contractors back in their district offices, and also provided government guidance encouraging such meetings.
Extreme price increases continued in July for a wide range of goods and services used in construction, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of government data released today. Association officials urged President Biden to immediately end tariffs and quotas on steel, aluminum, lumber and other essential construction items to help stave off inflationary pressure in the construction industry.
Construction Official Warns that Holding the Much-Needed Infrastructure Measure Hostage to Unrelated Partisan Priorities will Hurt the Economy and Deny Workers Good Career Opportunities
The construction industry added 11,000 jobs between June and July but nonresidential construction employment remains far below pre-pandemic levels, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of government data released today. Association officials said nonresidential construction has been affected by declining demand for projects, particularly for public infrastructure work, and urged Congress to quickly pass the new bipartisan infrastructure measure.
On August 5, President Biden signed an Executive Order setting a new target to make half of all new vehicles sold in 2030 zero-emissions vehicles, including battery electric, plug-in hybrid electric, or fuel cell electric vehicles. The Executive Order also initiates development of long-term fuel efficiency and emissions standards. In conjunction with this Order, the Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Transportation will soon announce how they plan to counter regulatory action on efficiency and emissions standards developed by the previous administration. These announcements, along with increased consumer interest in electric vehicles, makes clear that Congress must seriously address the long-term solvency of the Highway Trust Fund. As more electric and fuel-efficient vehicles join the nation’s auto fleet each year, gas tax revenue, which provides the lion’s share of funding for building our nation’s highway and bridge infrastructure, will continue to decline.