Author: agcnews

From automating tedious tasks to supercharging project management, AI is becoming a game-changer for construction professionals. But it’s not just about the tech—our guests share real-world stories of how AI is transforming their day-to-day work, making projects smoother and more efficient. We also tackle the big questions around ethics and responsible AI use, ensuring that innovation doesn’t come at a cost. If you’re curious about how AI can take your construction game to the next level, this episode is a must-listen! Guests: Harry SchmidtDirector, Business Strategies | O’Shea Buildersosheabuilders.com/ Jared ChristmanDirector, Innovation and Technology | Big State Electric, Ltdwww.bigstateelectric.com/ Theresa…

On August 27, the White House’s Office of Management and Budget (OMB) responded to AGC’s request to review the Build America, Buy America Act (BABAA) information collection procedures of 19 different federal agencies. OMB indicated that the 19 agencies, which had been identified as out of compliance with all requirements under the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA), have addressed those concerns and are using approved forms for their information collections. As a reminder, AGC along with a coalition of industry partners, submitted a request for OMB to review PRA compliance of various federal agencies. Proper collection practices are necessary in order for agencies to properly assess the…

On August 22, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) officially filed a notice of their intent to appeal the recent motion for a nationwide preliminary injunction blocking the provisions being challenged by AGC to the DOL’s expansion of Davis Bacon coverage. Pending any further action in court, the nationwide injunction remains in place. AGC originally filed a narrowly tailored lawsuit in federal court against the U.S. Department of Labor, challenging the agency’s unlawful expansion of Davis Bacon coverage to: In addition, the association also challenged the retroactive imposition of Davis Bacon requirements where they applied but owners forgot to include them in the contract…

94 Percent of Construction Firms Report Having a Hard Time Finding Workers to Hire, Undermining Efforts to Build Infrastructure & Other Projects As Industry Calls for Better Federal Workforce Policies The nation’s failure to invest in construction workforce education and training programs is having a real, measurable impact on the country’s ability to build infrastructure and other construction projects, according to the results of a workforce survey conducted by the Associated General Contractors of America and Arcoro, the leading HR technology company supporting the construction industry. Noting that 94 percent of contractors report they are having a hard time filling open positions, construction…

Construction employment rose in 232, or 65 percent, of 358 metro areas between July 2023 and July 2024, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of new government employment data. Association officials noted that their latest workforce survey show contractors are still eager to hire more employees but face difficulty finding qualified workers. “It is heartening that nearly two-thirds of metro areas have added construction workers in the past year,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “But contractors’ struggles to fill open positions suggest many more metros would have job gains if there were enough qualified applicants available.”…

We’re excited to announce that the agenda for Construction HR & Workforce 2024 is now live! Get ready to explore a dynamic lineup of sessions designed to equip you with the latest insights, strategies, and tools to drive success in your organization. Agenda highlights include: Whether you’re looking to deepen your expertise, stay ahead of industry trends, or connect with thought leaders, our agenda has something for everyone. Start planning your experience today and ensure you don’t miss out on the sessions that matter most to you! Already registered? Don’t forget to book your hotel before the group rate expires September 29th! Explore…

The Rule Also Rescinds Other Representation-Case Protections The National Labor Relations Board (“NLRB” or “Board”) on July 26, 2024, released a final rule, called the Fair Choice/Employee Voice Rule, that modifies certain union-representation case procedures. AGC of America filed comments opposing the rule but is not surprised to see a final rule that is essentially the same as the proposed rule. The new rule rescinds a rule, called the Election Protection Rule, that the NLRB issued in 2020 during the Trump administration. The 2020 rule changed three policies related to procedures that apply when a union seeks recognition as the 9(a) bargaining representative of…

AGC’s volunteers are valued members who work to address industry issues, exchange ideas, and lead change to advance the industry. You and your colleagues are invited to take the next step in your AGC journey and join the volunteer pool. Many opportunities are available to get engaged and make a difference. Several committees are looking for committed volunteers, but there are also many short-term opportunities available. Complete or update the volunteer tab in your member profile by October 1st to let us know what you are interested in. This is a great way to advance AGC, contribute to the construction…

The Proposed Standard. On July 2, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) published their proposed standard addressing heat illness in outdoor and indoor settings. The proposal codifies many of the heat safety practices the construction industry already uses to protect workers. Those measures, which broadly fall into the categories of water, rest, shade, and training, were crafted by contractors as part of their general duty obligations to protect workers from hazards associated with high temperatures. However, OSHA has not addressed the disparate impacts of heat in various parts of the country. The impacts on worker safety of a 90°F day in Mississippi are different…

In May 2024, House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith (R-Mo.), along with the Republican members of the Committee, created 10 “Republican Tax Teams” to explore different aspects of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA). Many elements of this legislation, which was the most comprehensive rewrite of the federal tax code in over 30 years, have either already expired, or will expire in 2025. Included in these expiring provisions are a number of provisions that are particularly important to the construction industry, including the ability to fully deduct the cost of new and used equipment in the year…