IPD represents a small share of project delivery methods used in the United States, but there are advantages. Lean construction works most efficiently with an IPD agreement providing the contractual framework to collaborate. A highlight recent study concluded that the business case for lean construction is compelling. A recent ÃÛ½ÛÖ±²¥ webinar outlining the study can be accessed here.
A federal Judge in Texas recently ruled that the Biden administration’s U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) Wage and Hour Division (WHD) DOL violated the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) when promulgating both the Delay and Withdrawal Rules. The ruling effectively reinstates the Trump rule dating back to March 2021. ÃÛ½ÛÖ±²¥ has long called for federal clarification of the independent contractor status and preservation of legitimate independent contractor relationships, such as those that have historically existed in the construction industry. ÃÛ½ÛÖ±²¥ supported the Trump administration’s rule that adopted a consistent, clear and common-sense standard for determining independent contractor status under the FLSA and filed comments opposing the DOL move to withdraw the rule. ÃÛ½ÛÖ±²¥ will keep members apprised of any new developments and fully expects to participate in any future revision or adoption of guidance regarding the independent contractor status.
On March 3, 2022, President Joe Biden signed a law that limits the use of predispute arbitration agreements and class action waivers covering sexual assault and sexual harassment claims.
The U.S. and U.K. reached a Section 232 trade agreement which will lower tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from the UK. The agreement is based on a tariff-rate quota where the rate for steel (25%) and aluminum (10%) will be lowered to 0% until a quota has been reached, at which point the previous rate will set back in. This agreement will be effective June 1st, 2022.
According to the latest Contractor Compensation Quarterly (CCQ) published by PAS, Inc., construction executive staff wage increases came in at 4.3% for 2021 and are also projected to rise by an average 4.3% by 2022 year-end. Though the projected 2022 increase is 4.3%, it is pointed out that historically executive staff predictions are low, so year-end 2022 increases might come in even as high as 4.8%.
Contractors Must Continue to Comply with Existing Regulations
Aligns with Executive Order Proposing Pay History Ban for Federal Contractors
Aligns with Executive Order Proposing Pay History Ban for Federal Contractors
Business Development within the construction industry presents multiple challenges as competition levels rise, continued supply obstacles occur, and labor shortages pressure companies to do more with less. On this episode, members of ÃÛ½ÛÖ±²¥â€™s Business Development Forum – Chris Martin, President at Atlas Marketing and Tonya Byrd (Jackson), Business Development Manager at Gilbane Building Company – discuss these challenges and share best practices and methods to help your construction company grow.