Author: agcnews

AGC of America’s Jimmy Christianson explains changes to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process included in the debt limit deal signed into law on June 3, 2023. These reforms will positively impact contractors as they set time limits and streamline the federal environmental permitting process for construction projects nationwide.

The construction sector added 25,000 jobs in May while the sector’s unemployment rate fell to its second lowest rate for the month and pay levels in the industry continued to rise, according to an analysis of new government data the Associated General Contractors of America released today. Association officials said construction firms are boosting pay and taking other steps to recruit workers amid tight labor conditions. “Demand for construction workers remains strong, outside of homebuilding,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “Contractors continue to report their primary challenge is finding qualified workers, not finding projects or most materials.” Read more.

In an eight-to-one decision issued on June 1, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a favorable decision in a labor preemption case in which AGC of America submitted an amicus brief. The case, Glacier Northwest v. International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local Union No. 174, presented the question of whether the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) preempts an employer’s state tort claim against a union for intentionally destroying the employer’s property in the course of a labor dispute. Agreeing with arguments made in an AGC-supported coalition amicus brief, the Court affirmed the principle that strikers must take “reasonable precautions” to protect employer property…

On May 5, 2023, the U.S. Acting Secretary of Labor reappointed AGC of America’s Senior Director of Safety, Health, & Risk Management, Kevin Cannon, as a member of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Advisory Committee on Construction Safety and Health (ACCSH). Cannon has served as a member of the committee since 2011, representing construction employers. ACCSH advises the Secretary of Labor and the Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health (Assistant Secretary) in the formulation of standards affecting the construction industry, and on policy matters arising in the administration of the safety and health provisions under…

Total construction spending in April increased by 1.2 percent from March and 7.2 percent year-over-year as widespread gains in nonresidential and multifamily construction spending offset a continuing plunge in single-family homebuilding, according to an analysis today by the Associated General Contractors of America of new federal data. Association officials welcomed the growth in demand for most types of construction but cautioned that firms will have a tough time finding enough workers amid tight labor conditions. “Today’s report shows there has been no letup in most categories of construction despite worries about tighter credit and a possible slowdown in the broader…

2023 Trench Safety Stand Down: June 19-23, 2023 The Trench Safety Stand Down (TSSD) was first held in 2016 by the National Utility Contractors Association (NUCA), with the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) joining as a partner in 2017. The goal of the event is to reach out to the many workers who work in and around trenches and excavations to provide them with information about current excavation requirements and safety procedures for working in trenches. To access all the resources you need to plan your event, visit the NUCA TSSD webpage. If you have any questions, please contact Nazia…

AGC of America is launching a first-ever task force — the AGC Task Force on Decarbonization and Carbon Reporting — to address the real challenges around reporting and reducing carbon emissions in the construction industry. Over the coming year, this newly formed Task Force will develop an industry playbook as well as deliver educational outreach on carbon reporting. The Task Force will hold a virtual townhall meeting for members on August 16 to offer an overview on the basics of carbon reporting. For us to better understand the sustainability-related activities you currently engage in, please take this brief survey. Your feedback…

Construction employment increased in 231, or 65 percent, of 358 metro areas between April 2022 and April 2023, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of new government employment data. Association officials said the lack of available workers to hire is keeping many metro areas from adding even more workers. “The list of leading metros shows employment gains were spread throughout the nation, thanks to demand from many types of projects,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “But with the construction unemployment rate setting an all-time low for April of 4.1 percent, contractors in many areas weren’t able…

Reaching an agreement on a construction contract that leads to a positive outcome for all parties involved – owner, builder, designer – should be the goal of your contract negotiations. What contract you start with as your foundation and which provisions you prioritize in your negotiations matter. On a webinar hosted by the Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC) entitled The Construction Tool-Kit for the In-House Counsel When Faced with a Construction Contract, Celestina Jimenez, Vice President & General Counsel at RK Industries, gave a brief overview of the three leading publishers of standard documents for construction, identified as the American Institute of Architects…

he Associated General Contractors of America’s chief executive officer, Stephen E. Sandherr, issued the following statement in reaction to the emerging details of the proposed agreement to lift the nation’s debt ceiling limit: “The debt limit deal announced over the weekend includes significant reforms to a federal permitting process that has, until now, been one of the main impediments to progress on many vital infrastructure projects. These reforms will reduce the time it takes to complete environmental reviews without weakening any of the strong protections built into the process. Read more