Author: agcnews
Next week the House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate are set to return from their August recess and will immediately begin debate on funding the federal government before current funding expires at the end of September. As AGC has previously reported, this is one of the last must pass items on the agenda ahead of the November elections. A new policy debate emerges. House Republicans are looking to tie any proposal to fund the federal government, at current levels for six months, with legislation that would require proof of citizenship to register to vote in a federal election. Can that actually…
September is National Suicide Prevention Month, and September 9 – 13 is Construction Suicide Prevention Week, an annual event dedicated to raising awareness about the unique challenges we face in the construction industry that can impact mental health and increase the risk of suicide, as well as strategies to reduce these risks and save lives. To access resources and register to participate, visit constructionsuicideprevention.com. In addition, we encourage you to browse the wealth of information available through the AGC Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Task Force to help you and your teams make the most of National Suicide Prevention Month – Employer Best Practices Guide, Mental Health and…
On August 30, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) officially published their proposed standard addressing heat illness in outdoor and indoor settings in the Federal Register. The proposed rule would require employers to evaluate their workplaces and implement controls to mitigate exposure to heat through engineering and administrative controls, training, effective communication, and other measures. Specific provisions include: The rule also provides certain exemptions, including short-duration exposures, emergency response activities, telework, and workplaces that are kept below 80 degrees. OSHA has given a 120-day comment period with a deadline of December 30, 2024. AGC will continue to review the proposed…
Construction spending slid 0.3 percent from June to July, pulled down by declines in private residential and nonresidential construction, according to an analysis of a new government report that the Associated General Contractors of America released today. Association officials said their newly released workforce survey indicates the decreases are attributable in part to a shortage of skilled workers, and they called on the federal government to increase support for programs to prepare more workers for construction careers. “Nearly all spending categories show increases from a year ago but have fluctuated in recent months,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “Our workforce…
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…