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California and Vermont Post Worst Losses since February as Virginia and South Dakota Add the Most;Illinois and Iowa Have Worst One-Month Job Losses, While New York and Vermont Post Biggest Gains

Collective bargaining negotiations settled during the first three quarters of 2020 resulted in an average first-year increase in wages and benefits of 2.7 percent or $1.59, reports the Construction Labor Research Council (CLRC) in its latest Settlements Report. This compares to an average first-year increase of 2.8 percent or $1.66 reported during the same period in 2019 and of 2.9 percent or $1.67 reported for all of 2019.

Officials Say Nationwide Plan Should Set Clear Distribution Priorities, Warn that Delegating Responsibility for Distributing Coronavirus Vaccine to State & Local Officials will Lead to Confusion, Delays, & Hardship

On October 15, �۽�ֱ��—along with the American Council of Engineering Companies, American Institute of Architects, U.S. Chamber of Commerce and others—called on President Trump to rescind his Executive Order 13950, Combating Race and Sex Stereotyping. The EO will generate further confusion and uncertainty, lead to non-meritorious investigations, and hinder the ability of employers to implement critical programs to promote diversity and combat discrimination in the workplace. Earlier this year, �۽�ֱ�� launched its own diversity and inclusion initiative—Culture of Care—to advance the construction industry as the industry of choice for diverse and talented workers by building inclusive work environments in firms nationwide. �۽�ֱ�� remains committed to the Culture of Care and its underlying principles.

National Association will Use Results to Push for Additional Relief Measures

No Resolution in Sight

�۽�ֱ�� of America, jointly with nine other associations that are members of the Coalition for a Democratic Workplace (“CDW”), submitted an amicus brief to the National Labor Relations Board (“NLRB” or “Board”) in a case reviewing the contract bar doctrine on October 8. The contract bar doctrine precludes a union representation or decertification election during the term of a legitimate collective bargaining agreement, up to a three-year term. The NLRB invited amicus briefs in the Mountaire Farms case to provide input as to whether the Board should rescind the contract bar doctrine, retain it as it currently exists, or retain it with modifications.

As employers face unimaginable disruptions during the pandemic, they are still bound by compliance and reporting health care requirements under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Despite relief provided to employers to date, there remains a need for greater regulatory compliance relief. Health care requirements and compliance rules prior to the coronavirus were complex and that complexity has grown. In response to this growing complexity, the Partnership for Employer-Sponsored Coverage—of which �۽�ֱ�� is a member—called on the Internal Revenue Service and Treasury Department to provide compliance safe harbors under the ACA on the affordability test along with increased time and flexibility to come into compliance.

On Oct. 5, 2020, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a draft National Recycling Strategy for public input. The strategy organizes high-level actions around three strategic objectives to improve the U.S. recycling system: 1) reduce contamination, 2) increase processing efficiency, and 3) improve markets. The draft strategy is available for public comment through December 4, 2020.

Each year, �۽�ֱ�� seeks nominations for qualified and motivated individuals from the �۽�ֱ�� Environmental Forum to serve on the steering committee for the forum. Would you like to play a leadership role in �۽�ֱ�� of America’s environmental advocacy, education and outreach efforts?