Author: Crystal Yates
Join us in Fort Worth, Texas, October 14–16, 2025, for the AGC Workforce & HR Conference, the premier gathering for HR, training, and workforce development leaders in construction. This year’s agenda will tackle some of the most pressing workforce challenges facing the industry through sessions on: Alongside these critical topics for recruitment, retention, and leadership development, you will be able to connect with peers from across the country through networking opportunities and facilitated conversation led by industry leaders. Register by August 29 to lock in current rates before prices increase, and don’t forget to book your hotel by September 22nd!…
On August 15, 2025, AGC of America sent a letter to Pres. Trump seeking changes to the mandate for project labor agreements (PLAs) on large-scale federal construction projects and a meeting to collaborate further. AGC has long opposed government initiatives requiring or prohibiting the use of PLAs and maintains that PLA use should be left to the discretion of the contractor. (A copy of AGC’s formal policy on government PLA mandates is available here.) The letter discusses practical problems with the federal mandate and offers practical recommendations for easing the burden on contractors and for advancing economy and efficiency in…
ConsensusDocs recently published updates to the ConsensusDocs 500 Standard Agreement Between Owner and Construction Manager At-Risk. Construction Management At-Risk (CM@R), also known as CM/GC and CMc, is one of the three most commonly used project delivery methods in the design and construction industry. While design-bid-build is still the most commonly used project delivery method in the United States, CM@R and design-build are both increasing as a share of the marketplace. They are so well established that calling them alternative project delivery methods no longer seems appropriate. CM@R helps facilitate the early involvement of the General Contractor and trade partners, thereby…
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) opened a docket to receive feedback on the Clean Water Act’s section 401 State Water Quality Certification process, during which states can place conditions or additional requirements before a federal CWA permit can proceed. In its responses (here and here), AGC of America highlighted time delays and extraneous requirements that can beleaguer projects moving through the process. The intent of the certification process is to ensure that federally permitted activities do not degrade a state’s water quality. AGC raised long-standing concerns that states may add public access, cultural, and wildlife considerations as conditions to…
The Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) has partnered with the National Immigration Forum to launch a new citizenship and immigration support portal. The portal provides two key services: it offers employees of member firms and their immediate family members a way to find out if they qualify for citizenship and if so, help in completing their application. In addition, the portal provides employees of members firms and their immediate family members with questions about their legal status can use the service’s helpdesk to verify their status and connect with immigration service providers. At the Associated General Contractors of America, we…
The U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) Wage and Hour Division (WHD) is relaunching the Payroll Audit Independent Determination (PAID) program. The PAID program and other compliance assistance programs were specifically included in the construction industry’s priorities that AGC outlined in a letter to President Trump at the outset of his administration. PAID, originally launched in 2018 and then shuttered by the Biden administration, is returning and expanding to include the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Under PAID, employers are encouraged to conduct audits and, if they discover FLSA or FMLA violations, to self-report those violations. Employers may then work in good faith…
The Department of Labor’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) recently gave the green light for federal contractor audits and investigations involving disability and veteran bias to immediately resume. While affirmative action obligations based on race, sex, and other Executive Order 11246 (EO 11246) categories remain nullified under a January executive order from President Trump, the agency’s July 2, 2025, announcement means it is back in business for enforcing Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act (Section 503) and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA). Here’s what your business needs to know and do. What Just Happened? On…
We’re excited to announce that the agenda for the 2025 AGC Workforce & HR Conference is now live! Join us in Fort Worth, TX, Oct. 14-16 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! Explore the Agenda Start My…
The AGC-supported Construction Labor Research Council (CLRC) released its first settlements report of 2025, which showed that construction-industry collective bargaining agreements settled from January through June of 2025 saw a 4.7 percent increase in wages, fringe benefits, and other employer payments for union craft workers for the first contract year. After a sharp increase from 2020 to 2023, settlements have leveled off over the past two years. CLRC cites the impact high inflation is having on first-year settlements and expects to see gradual increases through 2027. Additionally, the report looks at the averages by craft and by region for comparison purposes. AGC…
AGC of America is now accepting proposals from experienced speakers interested in presenting at AGC’s 2026 Surety Bonding and Construction Risk Management Conference. The conference will be held from January 26 – 28, 2026, at the Sunseeker Resort on Charlotte Harbor in Southwest Florida. AGC invites thought leaders, innovators, and subject matter experts to submit session ideas for the #AGCRisk2026 program. Speaking spots are limited! For more information on speaker expectations, important deadlines, and how to submit your proposal, please refer to our Submission Guidelines and Instructions. SUBMIT TODAY!