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THE VOICE OF THE MERIT SHOP

ABC is the voice of the merit shop on Capitol Hill! Sending letters to Congress allows ABC to publicly advocate for the views and interests of our more than 23,000 members. By corresponding with U.S. House of Representatives and Senate members, ABC promotes fair and open competition in the construction industry and fights to protect merit shop contractors around the country.

ABC Supports Legislation Clarifying the Joint Employer Standard

On July 14, Rep. James Comer, R-Ky., introduced the Save Local Business Act, which would amend the National Labor Relations Act and the Fair Labor Standards Act to clarify that an entity is only a joint employer if it directly and immediately exercises meaningful control over workers’ essential terms and conditions of employment. The bill would provide clarity and predictability to the regulated community and ensure that the entities that truly have control over a group of workers are at the bargaining table.


The ABC-led Coalition for a Democratic Workplace and 72 undersigned organizations sent a letter to members of the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate urging them to support and pass the bill.

“The Save Local Business Act will restore balance, clarity, and predictability to labor and employment law,” said Kristen Swearingen, ABC vice president of government affairs. “It ensures the appropriate entities are at the bargaining table and held responsible for any violations committed against workers while shielding businesses from unwarranted liability for the employment decisions of another entity. This legislation will protect small business owners and allow future entrepreneurs to thrive. We strongly support this legislation and urge Congress to pass it.”

CDW’s statement on the bill’s introduction can be read here.