Author: Crystal Yates
The Construction Labor Research Council (CLRC) has released its annual report on Union Labor Costs in Construction. The report is useful for understanding current trends in collectively bargained compensation for union craft workers in the construction industry, providing data analyses by region and trade. It can be a valuable resource when preparing for collective bargaining negotiations, particularly when used in conjunction with CLRC’s latest Settlements Report. The report shows 71 percent of the total package rates paid in 2022 fell in the $45.01–$75.00 range, predictably, in 2022 there was a higher percentage of total package rates in the upper end of the…
AGC of America has released a new resource to assist the growing number of AGC members facing owner requirements and preferences for project labor agreements (PLAs). The association unveiled the Annotated Template Project Labor Agreement on April 10 at an educational session on PLAs during its Annual Convention in Columbus, OH. The annotated template provides sample PLA clauses and commentary that contractors may find useful for reference and a starting point for negotiations, explained Denise Gold, AGC’s Vice President for Corporate & Labor Legal Affairs, at the session. It is not presented as a model or standard agreement, as “no…
Given the complexity of the process, especially during a change in administration, AGC offers a series of information on the executive branch and its primary functions. Members should understand that deregulatory changes only take effect after executive orders are backed by regulatory action, a process that usually takes 12-18 months.* Executive Orders One of the ways a president changes policy is by signing executive orders. Executive orders are directives from the president that instruct executive agencies and direct the operations of the federal government. They are not laws. They are not regulations. It’s a boss telling his employees how he wants to see things done. For those of…
When complex construction disputes arise, securing financial recovery is just as critical as proving the other party’s liability. Read the latest posting on AGC’s Reports & Hot Topic Papers page, A Deep Dive into Damages: Show Me the Money!, written by attorney Gregory Chertoff at Peckar & Abramson, that explores the essential principles contractors and construction managers must understand to document and prove entitlement to and quantum of damages effectively. The paper emphasizes the importance of real-time recordkeeping, strategic contract negotiations, and understanding legal burdens of proof. It also highlights key damage categories and examines how courts distinguish between direct and…
On March 14, Pres. Trump revoked Executive Order 14026, Increasing the Minimum Wage for Federal Contractors (EO). Government contractors in the service and construction sectors should evaluate how Pres. Trump’s decision to cancel the EO will impact their pricing strategies and outstanding price adjustment requests. Effective immediately, contractors are no longer bound by EO 14026’s minimum wage requirements. This means that most service and construction contractors may revert employee pay to the applicable wage determination rates under their contracts. EO 14026, which until March 14 applied to contracts covered by the Service Contract Act and the Davis-Bacon Act, raised minimum wages…
On March 14, 2025, Pres. Trump signed Executive Order (EO) 14236 titled “Additional Rescissions of Harmful Executive Orders and Actions” that rescinds 18 Biden executive actions—including the following labor-related actions: For more information, contact Jim Young at youngj@agc.org or 202-547-0133 or Claiborne Guy at claiborne.guy@agc.org or 703-837-5382.
Employers just received some clarity on what type of workplace DEI programs may be risky under Pres. Trump’s recent executive orders relating to illegal diversity, equity, and inclusion practices. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) on March 19 issued guidance specifically on what constitutes “unlawful discrimination” related to DEI in the workplace. While the guidance notes the type of conduct that has long been prohibited by existing federal law, it also provides a roadmap for employers to ensure their programs don’t run afoul of new directives. Here’s what you need to know about the EEOC’s guidance and how it may…
AGC’s HR Masterclass, Powered by Segal Consulting—a six-part training series—equips HR professionals in construction with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate workforce challenges, implement best practices, and drive long-term success. This comprehensive series will run from April through September, offering monthly webinars that cover current and emerging trends, best practices, case studies and a forum for questions and peer interaction. Key Takeaways: Secure your spot today! More information can be found HERE. For more information, contact Claiborne Guy at claiborne.guy@agc.org or 703-837-5382.
As construction defect and property damage disputes continue to grow in complexity, contractors face increasing challenges in securing coverage under Commercial General Liability (CGL) and Builders Risk (BR) policies. Read the latest posting on AGC’s Reports & Hot Topic Papers page, Times Are Tough Now, Just Getting Tougher: Will CGL and Builders Risk Cover Me?, produced by attorney Pat Wielinski at Cokinos Young, and presented by his partners Travis Brown and Robbie MacPherson, as well as Steven A. Coombs, CPCU, ARM, AIC, that explores key legal and market shifts affecting insurance claims related to property damage, construction defects, and risk…
AGC today released another resource for construction professionals seeking to safeguard their projects and ensure successful outcomes: “Owner-Placed Builder’s Risk Insurance: What Construction Contractors Need to Know.” Second in a series of two comprehensive checklists designed to enhance your risk management strategy, this new checklist can help in the development of a risk management approach to determine if an owner’s policy adequately supports the risk the contractor may contractually accept. There are three main areas of focus: policy review, contractual requirements, and loss provisions. It offers practical tips and actionable insights and was written by AGC’s Risk Management Committee. …