Author: agcnews
Three new bid protests were recently filed by AGC members that incorporate AGC’s legal theory challenging the government’s new PLA mandate. While bid protests challenge specific project awards at the U.S. Court of Federal Claims, the legal theory developed for AGC by outside counsel at Fox Rothschild aims to strike down the government’s PLA mandate across the board. The AGC-legal theory challenges the lawfulness of the government’s new PLA mandate as an unlawful socio-economic set aside that Congress never authorized. Consequently, this violates the Competition in Contracting Act (CICA). Bid protests before the U.S. Court of Federal Claims typically move faster…
Limited Space Available for Post-Conference Events! The 2024 AGC Construction HR & Workforce Conference, being held on October 20-22nd in Denver, CO, will focus on the intersection of HR and workforce development in our industry. The program will feature a multi-track educational program that includes sessions focused on HR practices, while others will highlight workforce development strategies. Some sessions will cover both! If you’ve attended an HRTED Conference or Workforce Summit in the past, this event was designed with you in mind. At this year’s conference you can get exclusive access to the following post-conference programs, but space is limited and…
On September 19, the Department of Labor (DOL) awarded approximately $12.7 million in grants to 102 non-profit organizations across the nation. Administered by the department’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), funds from the Susan Harwood Training Grant Program will support the delivery of training and education that helps workers and employers recognize, avoid, and prevent workplace hazards, as well as understand workers’ rights and employers’ responsibilities under federal law. AGC of America was awarded $160,000 to provide fall prevention/protection training and education to approximately 500 workers and employers in the construction industry. AGC has been a proud recipient of this grant for almost 20 years.…
On August 22, 2024, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) officially filed a notice of its intent to appeal the nationwide preliminary injunction blocking AGC-challenged provisions of the DOL’s regulatory 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 truck drivers and to material suppliers owned and operated by general contractors or subcontractors. The association’s lawsuit also challenged the retroactive imposition of Davis-Bacon requirements where they applied but owners neglected to…
On September 23, 2024, AGC of America filed an amicus brief with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit arguing against the adoption of a lower pleading standard for lawsuits claiming breach of fiduciary duty by trustees of employee benefit plans. The Signatory Wall and Ceiling Contractors Alliance (SWACCA) joined AGC on the brief. The case, Johnson et al. v. Carpenters of Western Washington Board of Trustees, et al., was brought by participants in two multiemployer retirement plans, the Carpenters Individual Account Pension Plan of Western Washington and the Carpenters Retirement Plan of Western Washington. They claim that the plans’ board of…
We are excited to announce a major upgrade to how you access AGC information. We are transitioning from our old news site to a brand-new, all-encompassing online platform at news.agc.org. This site will serve as a one-stop shop for everything AGC: breaking news, Constructor Magazine articles, ConstructorCast episodes, and AGC video content—all in one place! This change is designed with you in mind. The new site will feature a clean, modern design and enhanced navigation, allowing you to quickly find the information you need. Please note that this new site will be exclusive to AGC members. Simply log in using your existing credentials…
Construction employment increased in 39 states in August from a year earlier, while 27 states and the District of Columbia added construction jobs between July and August, according to a new analysis of federal employment data released by the Associated General Contractors of America today. Association officials said that tight labor market conditions are making it hard for firms to find enough workers to hire. “Construction employment keeps growing in most states despite month-to-month fluctuations,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “But contractors everywhere are reporting difficulty filling a wide variety of positions.” He noted that 94 percent of contractors reported…
AGC of Illinois participated in a roundtable with members of Congress focused on various workforce issues, including apprenticeships and career and technical education, the impact of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act on companies’ abilities to invest in their workforce, and more. Earlier this year, the House Committee on Ways and Means created 10 “tax teams” to focus on different aspects of the tax code and how it affects businesses, individuals, and families. One of the teams, called “American Workforce” is focused on workforce development and how the tax code can encourage it. The team is chaired by Representative Darin LaHood…
AGC remains actively involved in litigation against OSHA’s Worker Walkaround Representative Designation Process final rule (walkaround rule), which allows an unlimited number of non-employee third-party representatives, including activists or even competitors, to access employer worksites during OSHA inspections. AGC remains actively involved in litigation against OSHA’s Worker Walkaround Representative Designation Process final rule (walkaround rule), which allows an unlimited number of non-employee third-party representatives, including activists or even competitors, to access employer worksites during OSHA inspections. After joining the U.S. Chamber-led lawsuit in March 2024, AGC filed a legal brief asking the court to declare the rule unlawful, vacate it, and prevent its enforcement. AGC also presented evidence of…
Join AGC’s Surety Bonding and Construction Risk Management Conference this coming January 27-29 for an unparalleled opportunity to strengthen your team’s risk management strategies. Registration is Now Open Join AGC’s Surety Bonding and Construction Risk Management Conference this coming January 27-29 for an unparalleled opportunity to strengthen your team’s risk management strategies. Access insights from top industry leaders, explore cutting-edge topics, and connect with professionals shaping the future of construction. Each year, this event sells out! Secure your spot and register today.