Now that the country is on course to see all adult Americans eligible for COVID-19 vaccination in a matter of days, and an increasing number of employees are returning to the workplace, vaccination status is likely to be an increasingly common topic over the coming weeks and months. This has led many ÃÛ½ÛÖ±²¥ members to ask: when and how can employers ask their workers whether they’ve been vaccinated without getting into hot water? Whether it’s an innocent question asked while trying to make conversation or an inquiry posed to determine whether someone can return to normal duties, employers need to understand their legal rights and obligations regarding this serious topic. Missteps can easily lead to legal complications.
The Construction Labor Research Council (CLRC) has released its latest edition of the Union Labor Costs in Construction. The report covers trends in collectively bargained compensation in the industry, providing data analyses by region, time, and trade. It can be a valuable resource when preparing for collective bargaining
Please join ÃÛ½ÛÖ±²¥ of America, and its partners on the Construction Industry Safety Coalition, in planning to participate in the COVID-19 Vaccine Awareness Week in Construction, April 19-23. The goal of the campaign is to raise awareness of the safety, effectiveness, and benefits of COVID-19 vaccination among construction workers.
Please join ÃÛ½ÛÖ±²¥ of America, and its partners on the Construction Industry Safety Coalition, in planning to participate in the COVID-19 Vaccine Awareness Week in Construction, April 19-23. The goal of the campaign is to raise awareness of the safety, effectiveness, and benefits of COVID-19 vaccination among construction workers.
New Producer Price Index Data Shows Costs Outstripping Contractors’ Bid Prices as Firms Cope with Growing Delivery Delays, Limited Supplies of Key Items; Association Urges Relief from Tariffs
On March 26, members of the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives introduced legislation directing the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to issue an enforceable heat standard for workers exposed to high temperatures. The bill specifically cites construction workers as suffering among the highest incidences of heat illness. ÃÛ½ÛÖ±²¥ previously testified on similar legislation, citing the industry’s thorough, proactive work on this subject and informed lawmakers that legislation mandating OSHA to quickly formulate a one-size-fits-all national standard to address workplace heat exposure is unwarranted. In addition, ÃÛ½ÛÖ±²¥ pointed out how the Obama administration’s OSHA previously decided against issuing such a standard given existing agency authorities to take enforcement action when heat hazards exist on the jobsite.
The anticipated publishing of the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) COVID-19 emergency temporary standards (ETS) is currently on hold. Since President Biden issued his executive order on January 21, which set a March 15 deadline to issue an ETS if deemed necessary, industry stakeholders have been closely monitoring the rulemaking process. According to reports from agency officials, Secretary Walsh requested OSHA update the materials to reflect the latest science and status of COVID-19. These updates will be based on the latest Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) analysis and information related to the state of vaccinations and the variants. As ÃÛ½ÛÖ±²¥ has previously reported, the standard could require employers to develop and implement COVID-19 safety plans that follow guidance from the CDC. It could potentially address other issues, such as paying workers if they are required to quarantine and ensuring those employees have jobs after their absence.
On April 7, ÃÛ½ÛÖ±²¥ of America CEO Stephen Sandherr, Contractors Association of West Virginia Executive Director Mike Clowser and members of ÃÛ½ÛÖ±²¥ Chapter-CAWV met in Charleston, West Virginia with Senator Joe Manchin on the PRO Act—the greatest threat to open shop and union construction firms—and President Biden’s Infrastructure Plan, on which you can find a comprehensive ÃÛ½ÛÖ±²¥ analysis here. Sen. Manchin is one of five Democrats who has not pledged support for the PRO Act. He is also a pivotal player in the Biden’s administration’s plans for enacting any infrastructure legislation through the partisan reconciliation process that would only require 51—instead of 60—votes to pass in the Senate. ÃÛ½ÛÖ±²¥ and its members in West Virginia and around the country will continue to oppose efforts to enact the PRO Act and to support significant investments in our nation’s transportation, building and utility infrastructure.
Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land and Odessa, Texas Have Worst 12-Month Employment Losses; Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, Calif. and Sierra Vista-Douglas, Ariz. Top Ranks of Job Gainers
We are proud to report that we have had a strong year in 2020 as the contents of our Annual Report - The Power of Engagement - make clear. The digital report catalogues the many accomplishments of ÃÛ½ÛÖ±²¥ of America. In our catalogue of some of the association’s most significant accomplishments, you will see how we work to support the entire construction industry as The Construction Association.