WASHINGTON, Dec. 7—Associated Builders and Contractors today applauded a federal court for granting a nationwide preliminary injunction order against the federal contractor vaccine mandate. The ruling came from the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Georgia.

“ABC’s participation in the case was essential to nationwide and construction industry relief, which would otherwise have been limited to the states that sued,” said Ben Brubeck, ABC vice president of regulatory, labor and state affairs. “This is a big win in removing compliance hurdles for the construction industry, which is facing economic challenges, such as a workforce shortage of 430,000, rising materials prices and supply chain issues. ABC continues to support vaccinations and encourages members to use its COVID-19 vaccination toolkit, resources and guidance for federal contractors to keep workers safe on construction jobsites.”

ABC, which represents thousands of members in the construction industry, joined a coalition of states in presenting legal action against the mandate, and was the only private business group to sue over the federal contractor and subcontractor vaccine mandate. ABC argued the executive order exceeds the Biden administration’s authority and is likely to increase costs and undermine efficiency in federal contracting.

On Nov. 18, ABC and its Georgia Chapter filed a motion to intervene in support of a suit filed by the state of Georgia and six other states in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Georgia Augusta Division.