Author: agcnews
On Mar. 26, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) issued a new, temporary enforcement discretion policy for certain noncompliance events that can be documented and tied to the COVID-19 epidemic. U.S. EPA has emphasized that this new policy is not a “license to pollute.” The enforcement discretion is intended to address challenges in staffing that facilities or laboratories will likely face during the COVID-19 epidemic, which may constrain certain activities required by federal permits, including: compliance monitoring, sampling, reporting, “wet” signatures, or training as some of the listed examples. The policy applies to specified federal programs, states may take a different…
WASHINGTON – Lansing, Michigan-based Christman Constructors was named the most innovative construction firm in the country for developing an iOS-based application that brings job-placement logistics into the 21st century. The new application, CopperWorks, was created to meet the need to modernize manpower management in the building trades industry while addressing industry-wide workforce shortage. As a result, Christman Constructors was named as the grand prize winner of the AGC Innovation Awards, sponsored by Autodesk. “These awards recognize firms that have figured out the best way to work smarter so they can build better,” said Dirk Elsperman, the association’s president and executive vice president…
Construction firms are vulnerable to many forms of cyberattack, including social engineering, ransomware attacks, wire fraud, and hacking. On this episode, Nikki Ingram, a cybersecurity risk engineer with Zurich North America, talks about what you need to look out for and shares some tips and preventative measures that will help contractors protect themselves. Nikki also presented a breakout session on cyber risks at AGC’s 2020 Annual Convention in Las Vegas. Link to her PowerPoint: bit.ly/39wmwIF
The 2019 AGC of America Outstanding Student Chapter Contest was broken up into three categories including Outstanding Emerging Student Chapter, Outstanding Community Service, and Outstanding Construction Management Skills. While many schools from across the country applied, the 2019 winners include: The three winning chapters received $2,000 each with a $1,000 travel stipend to attend AGC’s Annual Convention. They were selected by a panel of judges made up of practicing commercial contractors. Student chapters were evaluated on qualifying criteria in each of the three categories for exemplary demonstration of the AGC of America tenants of Skill, Responsibility & Integrity. The student chapters received their…
Earlier this month, the National CLC Steering Committee met at AGC’s Annual Convention in Las Vegas, Nevada. At this meeting the group thanked Ashley Phelps of Gilbane Building Company for her service as Chair from 2019-2020 and Gaines Moorer with Lakeview Risk Partners officially began his leadership for the 2020-2021 term. The group also welcomed new Steering Committee from across the nation for the 2020-2023 term including:
The chief executive officer of the Associated General Contractors of America, Stephen E. Sandherr, issued the following statement in reaction to the release of new guidance. “Federal officials have, wisely, heeded our advice and opted to release new guidance that makes it clear that construction activities are included in its list of essential critical infrastructure workers. This new federal guidance should help eliminate the confusion and ambiguity that has led several state and local officials to needlessly order halts to construction activity that is clearly essential. Read more.
As employers everywhere grapple with the COVID-19 crisis and its impact upon their employees and operations, questions have arisen regarding union contracts that expire on or about March 31, 2020. Although every labor contract and bargaining relationship is unique, established federal labor law principles can be applied to guide employers during this difficult time. Some common issues related to contract expiration are discussed below. Question 1. What happens if an employer’s union contract expires without a new agreement? A: If a contract expires without a new agreement, most terms and conditions of employment continue by operation of law, under the…
Thirty-nine percent of contractors report that project owners have halted or canceled current construction projects amid deteriorating economic conditions, according to a survey released today by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials warned that these cancellations mean massive job losses are likely soon unless Congress passes targeted recovery measures to boost infrastructure funding, compensate firms for lost or delayed federally funded work and provide needed pension relief. The project cancellations are particularly severe in light of new data showing that 42 states added construction jobs through February. “The abrupt plunge in economic activity is taking a swift and severe toll on construction,”…
There is so much going on in Washington DC, especially the last two weeks. We brought together our team of lobbyists who have been worked to help craft the coronavirus relief bill that is set for a vote as early as today (March 27, 2020) in the House. They provided an analysis of what is in the measure and how it could help the construction industry.
AGC of America and AGC of Washington’s joint Culture of CARE initiative is challenging leaders to take a bold and visible step towards ensuring their workplaces are welcoming, safe, and inclusive for an increasingly diverse and talented pool of workers. Join this effort by taking the Culture of CARE pledge. Once you sign the pledge, Culture of CARE provides companies with tools and resources to help establish a Culture of CARE in their workplaces. Learn more at www.BuildCulture.org. The companies who commit to a Culture of CARE aren’t passively thinking about their company culture. They are actively working to ensure that every employee – from the CEO to the laborer – has the opportunity to feel valued, respected, and heard.…