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Five Ways the Metaverse Is Shaping the Future of Work

We believe the metaverse can transform learning and how people train for jobs, which is why we hosted the Future of Work Summit this week in Washington, D.C. Academics, policymakers, entrepreneurs and experts gathered to hear how immersive technologies READ MORE
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ABC Urges DOL To Abandon Overtime Proposed Rulemaking

On May 25, ABC joined the Partnership to Protect Workplace Opportunity in sending a letter to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division, urging Acting Secretary Julie Su to abandon or at least postpone issuance of its anticipated proposed rulemaking that would alter overtime regulations under the Fair Labor Standards Act. The letter includes signatures from over 100 organizations.

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Ed Capodanno Honored by Delaware State Legislature

ABC Delaware President Ed Capodanno was recognized with a tribute thanking him for his “long and illustrious leadership at both Associated Builders and Contractors, Delaware Chapter, and a wide range of community service work in the First State,” signed by every Delaware state lawmaker, Republican and Democrat.

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ABC, Coalition Urge Senate To Oppose Confirmation of Julie Su as Labor Secretary

ABC and dozens of employer organizations sent a letter to the U.S. Senate on May 8 expressing their opposition on Julie Su’s stalled nomination for secretary of labor. The groups cited her troubling record and failure to adequately explain how she would run the DOL in a manner that engages employers and employees alike to best achieve our shared economic goals.

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Free Enterprise Alliance Tailgate at the Bullpen During Legislative Conference—June 14

ABC’s Free Enterprise Alliance is hosting a Tailgate Party at the Bullpen (1201 Half St. SE, Washington, D.C.) and will flow directly into the Congressional Baseball Game.

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Five Ways the Metaverse Is Shaping the Future of Work

We believe the metaverse can transform learning and how people train for jobs, which is why we hosted the Future of Work Summit this week in Washington, D.C. Academics, policymakers, entrepreneurs and experts gathered to hear how immersive technologies like virtual and augmented reality (AR and VR) benefit businesses and workers.

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DOL Issues Bulletin on Enforcement of Protections for Employees To Pump Breast Milk at Work

On May 18, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division published a Field Assistance Bulletin on Enforcement of Protections for Employees to Pump Breast Milk at Work, which is intended to provide enforcement support and guidance to field staff regarding the application and requirements of the Providing Urgent Maternal Protections for Nursing Mothers Act, or PUMP Act.

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New Mackinac Study Expands Literature on Prevailing Wage Waste

The Mackinac Center for Public Policy recently published a study evaluating the effects of state prevailing wage policy on road construction and maintenance costs. Prevailing wage requirements undermine nonunion contractors’ competitiveness for public works contracts by standardizing the payment of union wage rates via methodologically defective surveys.

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Treasury Releases Guidance on IRA Domestic Content Requirements

On May 12, the U.S. Department of the Treasury and Internal Revenue Service released additional guidance on the Inflation Reduction Act’s domestic content bonus tax credits, which are in effect for all taxable years ending after May 12, 2023. The guidance may be relied upon by taxpayers for all construction that begins prior to the effective date of forthcoming proposed regulations.

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Advisory Committee on Apprenticeship Submits ABC-Opposed Recommendations to DOL

On May 10, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Advisory Committee on Apprenticeship voted to approve recommendations to the DOL for potential revisions to the National Apprenticeship System. The ACA is an advisory body comprised of representatives from industries, labor organizations and other members of the public that provides advice to the agency on government-registered apprenticeship programs. These recommendations will inform the DOL’s upcoming proposed rule revising the GRAP system, currently targeted for June 2023.

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Biden Ends Certain COVID-19 Vaccination Requirements—Safer Federal Workforce Website Updated

On May 9, 2023, President Joe Biden signed an executive order, Moving Beyond COVID-19 Vaccination Requirements for Federal Workers, that revoked executive orders 14042 and 14043 effective 12:01 a.m. ET on May 12, 2023.

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Past ABC National Chair Announces Bid for Indiana House Seat

Chuck Goodrich, president and CEO of Gaylor Electric and state representative for Indiana House District 29, announced his candidacy for U.S. Congress in Indiana’s 5th Congressional District. Goodrich served as the 2017 national chair of the ABC Board of Directors.

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Biden Administration Ends Federal Contractor Vaccine Mandate

On May 1, 2023, President Joe Biden’s administration announced its intent to end certain COVID-19 vaccination requirements, including the mandate on federal contractors. According to the announcement, President Biden will soon issue an executive order rescinding vaccine requirements and COVID-19 safety protocols for federal contractors, effective at 12:01 a.m. on May 12.

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OSHA Announces National Emphasis Program To Prevent Falls

On May 1, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration announced a National Emphasis Program to prevent falls for people working at heights in all industries.

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Consistent Communication and Task-Specific Analysis Build a Strong Safety Culture

Intentional, purposeful two-way communication is vital to a successful workday. Daily communication builds resilient relationships and enables a group to accomplish mission-driven tasks with a high degree of safety, quality and effectiveness. Daily toolbox talks and consistent start-up inspections create the environment where both communication and safety coexist successfully. The ABC STEP Safety Management System is designed to help you accomplish this to strengthen your safety culture. 

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Update Your Voluntary Self-Identification of Disability Form by July 25

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs has revised the Voluntary Self-Identification of Disability Form (CC-305) with updated preferred language and examples of disabilities. Federal contractors use this self-identification information to support required affirmative action programs.

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DOL Launches ‘Mental Health at Work’ Initiative

On May 1, the U.S. Department of Labor launched its “Mental Health at Work” initiative in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, which includes a new webpage. The initiative will increase awareness of mental health and well-being within workplaces and promote best practices and compliance by employers.

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ABC, Coalition Press Congress on Immigration Reform Priorities

On May 1, ABC and 430 business organizations highlighted key immigration priorities for the 118th Congress in a letter urging U.S. representatives and senators to find a path forward to enact necessary reforms that ensure border security and address the economic and workforce needs of businesses throughout the United States.

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ABC Supports Industry Apprenticeship Bill

On April 21, Republican Sens. John Thune, S.D., Tim Scott, S.C., Mike Braun, Ind., and Tommy Tuberville, Ala., reintroduced the Training America’s Workforce Act for the 118th Congress. This bill would expand opportunities for careers in construction, allowing for the federal recognition of industry and market-driven apprenticeship programs developed by the private sector. ABC worked closely with Sen. Thune’s office in drafting this legislation and issued a statement in support of the bill.

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ABC Supports the Save Local Business Act

On April 26, Sen. Roger Marshall, R-Kan., and Rep. James Comer, R-Ky., introduced the Save Local Business Act (S. 1261 / H.R. 2826) to make clear that an employer may be considered a joint employer in relation to an employee only if the employer directly, actually and immediately exercises significant control over the essential terms and conditions of employment. ABC joined a coalition in support of the legislation and issued a statement of support for the bill.

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WOTUS Blocked in Kentucky

On April 22, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit issued a clarified ruling blocking the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Army Corps of Engineers from enforcing a final rule published by the agencies on Jan. 18 that revises the definition of Waters of the United States until at least May 10. The ruling was the result of a lawsuit brought by Kentucky’s attorney general and private industry groups.

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HIPAA Special Enrollment Requests To Increase Due to Loss of Medicaid Eligibility

Beginning April 1, 2023, states that maintained continuous Medicaid enrollment during the COVID-19 pandemic may start terminating coverage for individuals who are no longer eligible. Employers will likely see an increase in midyear enrollment requests as individuals lose eligibility for Medicaid or Children’s Health Insurance Program coverage.

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ABC Calls on FTC To Withdraw Proposed Rule To Ban Noncompetes

On April 19, ABC submitted comments in opposition to the Federal Trade Commission’s unprecedented proposal to ban all noncompete agreements nationwide, a radical departure from hundreds of years of legal precedent. Ultimately, this vastly overbroad rule will invalidate millions of reasonable contracts around the country that are beneficial for both businesses and employees.

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WOTUS Rule Now Blocked in 26 States

On April 12, a federal judge in the U.S. District Court for the District of North Dakota issued a ruling blocking the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Army Corps of Engineers from enforcing a final rule published by the agencies on Jan. 18 that revises the definition of Waters of the United States. The ruling was the result of a lawsuit brought by 24 state attorneys general and rejected a request to block enforcement nationwide.

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PLA Costing Taxpayers $71 Million Struck Down by New Jersey Court

On April 4, the Appellate Division of the New Jersey Superior Court ruled that a commission authorized by New Jersey and Pennsylvania law to build and maintain Delaware River bridges lacked the authority to require controversial project labor agreements.

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New STEP Focus: Workers’ Overall Wellness

For over 30 years, ABC has helped contractors protect the physical safety of their employees on the jobsite through the STEP Safety Management System. Now the association is expanding on STEP with the introduction of the Total Human Health Initiative, or THHI. THHI “encompasses actions, initiatives and policies that emphasize the health, well-being and livelihoods of workers … [it incorporates] a whole-person approach to engage a person’s body, mind, heart and soul.”

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IRS Releases Guidance on Energy Communities Bonus Tax Credits Under the IRA

On April 4, the U.S. Internal Revenue Service released additional guidance on the Inflation Reduction Act’s energy communities program bonus tax credits, which are in effect in advance of forthcoming proposed regulations that will implement the credits for all taxable years ending after April 4, 2023.

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WHD Offers April 14 Webinar on Best Practices To Prevent and Address Workplace Retaliation

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division is hosting the webinar, “Best Practices to Prevent and Address Workplace Retaliation” on Friday, April 14, from 1 to 2 p.m. ET for employers and employer groups. This webinar will highlight best practices as informed by the enforcement and compliance assistance efforts of five federal agencies covering a wide range of workplace laws.

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ABC Applauds the Bipartisan House Passage of H.R. 1, the Lower Energy Costs Act

On March 30, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the ABC-supported H.R. 1, the Lower Energy Costs Act, in a bipartisan 225-204 vote, with four Democrats supporting and only one Republican, Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, R-Pa., opposing the bill.

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US House and Senate Pass ABC-Supported WOTUS CRA To Repeal Burdensome Biden Rule

On March 29, the U.S. Senate passed the ABC-supported H.J. Res. 27, the Waters of the United States Congressional Review Act Resolution, in a 53-43 vote with the support of all Senate Republicans and five Democrats, Sens. Rosen, Nev., Cortez Masto, Nev., Manchin, W.Va., Tester, Mont., and Sinema, Ariz. Four Senators did not vote. On March 9, the U.S. House of Representatives advanced the bill to the Senate in bipartisan fashion, as nine Democrats joined Republicans to pass the resolution 227-198.

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WHD To Host Online Forum on Workplace Compliance With Specific Focus on Construction

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division is hosting an online forum for employers, contractors, workers and other stakeholders on May 2 and 3 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CT. The two-day, virtual event will feature panel discussions on compliance with federal laws governing wages and workplace issues, with a specific focus on construction and federal contractors.

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Help Defend the Merit Shop: Take the 2023 ABC Workforce Development Survey Today

ABC has commissioned management consulting firm FMI to conduct the fifth annual survey to quantify the current investment and workforce development efforts of member contractors. It is vital that each member contractor complete the survey.

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ABC Joins Coalition in Urging West Coast Port Negotiations

Last week, ABC joined a coalition of national, state and local trade associations in a letter to President Joe Biden, urging the administration’s active engagement with both the International Longshore and Warehouse Union and the Pacific Maritime Association to help them reach a final contract, bring negotiations to a close and end the uncertainty surrounding operations of the West Coast ports.  

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ACTION ALERT: Tell Your Senator To Support Resolution Repealing Burdensome WOTUS Rule

On March 29, the U.S. Senate will vote on S. J. Res 7, a joint resolution of disapproval under the Congressional Review Act of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ 2023 revised Waters of the United States regulation.

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NLRB Launches ‘Know Your Rights’ Card Series

On March 28, the National Labor Relations Board General Counsel Jennifer Abruzzo launched the “Know Your Rights” card series to educate workers on their rights under the National Labor Relations Act.

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Michigan Governor Repeals Right-to-Work Law, Reinstates Prevailing Wage Rules

On March 24, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed into law S.B. 34 and H.B. 4007, which respectively repeal the state’s right-to-work protections and reinstate prevailing wage requirements for public construction projects. The actions reward labor unions’ substantial financial and political contributions to Michigan Democrats’ unified state governmental control and garnered significant opposition from ABC of Michigan, the wider business community and Republican lawmakers.

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Celebrating 30 Years of Accredited Quality Contractors: 10 Companies Have Been Members Since 1993

This year marks three decades of the Accredited Quality Contractors program, and 10 ABC members have participated in the program for all 30 years of its existence.

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Treasury Indicates Additional Inflation Reduction Act Guidance Is Months Away

In a speech delivered on March 22, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Assistant Secretary for Tax Policy, Lily Batchelder, indicated that additional guidance on prevailing wage and apprenticeship requirements for Inflation Reduction Act clean energy tax credits is months away.

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Get the Latest Update on ABC’s Continued Fight Against the Biden Administration’s Anti-Merit Shop Regulations

The Biden administration continues to roll back Trump-era initiatives and institute new, pro-union policies that challenge our members’ ability to win work. ABC is fighting against these proposed rules and regulations affecting merit shop contractors and is advocating for open competition and free enterprise.

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Proactive Planning for Project Safety—Now and in an Emergency

Some would say safety is common sense, others know it’s about relationships and intentional planning, equipping and supporting. When safety isn’t integrated with full communication from the beginning, the workforce could be put at higher risk if time, logistics and budgets are stretched too thin. Incorporate pre-planning for safety in every aspect of the job to ensure your team returns home safely at the end of every shift.

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ABC Warns OMB About Downstream Impacts of Buy America Expansion

On March 10, ABC submitted comments on the Office of Management and Budget’s proposed revision of its Guidance for Grants and Agreements, urging the agency to consider supply chain impacts, insufficient implementation information and other negative outcomes as it seeks to expand use of U.S.-made construction components.  

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WOTUS Rule Blocked in Texas and Idaho

The U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas issued a ruling on March 19 blocking the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Army Corps of Engineers from enforcing a final rule published by the agencies on Jan. 18 that revises the definition of Waters of the United States, but only in the states of Texas and Idaho. The ruling, the result of a lawsuit led by the Texas and Idaho attorneys general, separately rejected a request to block enforcement nationwide.

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OFCCP Launches Mega Construction Project Program

On March 14, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs announced the launch of a new Mega Construction Contract Program.

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OSHA to Hold Online NACOSH Heat Work Group Meeting on April 27

On April 27, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration will hold a virtual meeting of its National Advisory Committee on Occupational Safety and Health Heat Work Group from 2 to 4 p.m. ET. The public can register to attend the meeting. OSHA is not accepting comments or requests to speak. Participants from the public will be in listen-only mode.

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ABC Launches IRA Resources and Guidance Webpage

ABC recently launched the IRA webpage to assist contractors and developers performing private clean energy projects under the Inflation Reduction Act.

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FTC Extends Comment Deadline for Proposed Rule on Banning Noncompete Agreements

On March 6, the Federal Trade Commission announced that it is extending the comment period for its proposed rulemaking on banning noncompete agreements, from March 20 to April 19. ABC will be commenting in opposition to the proposed rule, which is overly restrictive on well-established and reasonable business practices in the construction industry. The public can submit comments at regulations.gov.

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Action Alert: Urge Your Lawmaker To Co-Sponsor FOCA

ABC members have sent nearly 3,700 messages to Congress through the ABC Action app in support of the Fair and Open Competition Act (H.R. 1209/S. 537), which was reintroduced in the 118th Congress by Sen. Todd Young, R-Ind., and Rep. James Comer, R-Ky., on Feb. 28. Urge your members of Congress to support this ABC priority legislation.

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Customize Supervisor and Employee Training for an Effective Health and Safety Program

Safety training, education and professional development are all critical to a top-performing company. These investments can powerfully shape culture, reinforce expectations, provide valuable feedback and equip the workforce to meet or exceed expectations. When people are engaged and equipped in a way that is meaningful to them, they will choose to work safely because they want to. And they will continue to do so if they are supported with proper planning and resources. This creates a strong and effective health and safety culture.

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ABC, Coalition Denounce Reintroduction of the PRO Act

On Feb. 28, congressional Democrats reintroduced the ABC-opposed Protecting the Right to Organize Act (HR 20) in the 118th Congress. The bill is a wish list of radical labor policies that would infringe on workers and employers’ rights, diminish opportunities for entrepreneurs and small business owners and devastate the economy. The ABC-led Coalition for a Democratic Workplace is leading opposition to the bill.

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ABC Supports the Congressional Review Act Disapproval of the 2023 WOTUS Regulation

On Feb. 27, ABC, along with members of the Waters Advocacy Coalition, penned a letter to the U.S. House of Representatives Transportation and Infrastructure Committee supporting H.J. Res 27, the Congressional Review Act disapproval of the Environmental Protection Agency and Army Corps of Engineers’ 2023 revised Waters of the United States regulation.

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DOT’s Pro-PLA RAISE Grant Opportunity Closes on Feb. 28

A Notice of Funding Opportunity for the U.S. Department of Transportation’s fiscal year 2023 Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity grant program is set to close for applications on Feb. 28.

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