CLC volunteers from the Builder’s Association in Kansas City, Missouri braved the humidity on Saturday, August 10, 2019, to transform the outdoor areas of an Overland Park Missouri residence into an attractive and welcoming landscape. The residence is owned and operated by Friends of JCDS (Johnson County Developmental Supports), Inc., a non-profit that provides affordable and accessible housing and other services for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Save the Date for July 14-16, 2020, in Louisville, KY
The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) in LA Specialty Produce Company recently overturned an administrative law judge’s (ALJ) finding that an employer’s confidentiality rule and media rule violated the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA). Applying the balancing test articulated in its 2017 Boeing decision for the first time, the NLRB emphasized that a work rule is lawful if, when reasonably interpreted, it does not interfere with rights protected by the NLRA. The work rule must be considered in the context of its everyday application. Moreover, even if the rule in question might interfere with NLRA rights, the NLRB must weigh the impact of the rule on NLRA rights against the employer’s business justification for the rule. The rule is unlawful only if the adverse impact on NLRA rights outweighs the justification for the rule.
<p>On Nov. 15, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized an AGC-supported <a href="https://www.epa.gov/hw/increasing-recycling-adding-aerosol-cans-universal-waste-regulations">rule</a> that expands universal waste regulations to include aerosol cans and streamlines the management of this waste. This measure should help construction firms maintain a lower-tier generator category, as aerosol cans are often the only hazardous waste stream produced on a construction site. This rule also promotes safe puncturing practices and recycling. EPA estimates it will reduce annual regulatory cost between $5.3 million to $47.8 million.</p>
As the U.S. House may consider a suite of bills to spur action on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)—a large and diverse group of chemicals—AGC and industry allies urged policymakers to rely on sound science before enacting a one-size-fits-all approach for properly dealing with the chemicals. Treating all PFAS substances the same, without any regard to science, would lead to unnecessary liability for contractors and result in wide-spread and possibly unnecessary remediation of soil and water. AGC urges that any federal actions on this subject address specific PFASs and take a consistent approach to establish risk-based standards.
On Nov. 19, the House passed AGC-backed legislation to reauthorize the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act (TRIA) for seven years. With private insurers pulling out of the marketplace after the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks, the inability of insurance policyholders to secure terrorism risk insurance contributed to a paralysis in the economy, especially in the construction and real estate finance sectors. Since its initial enactment in 2002, TRIA has served as a vital public-private risk sharing mechanism, ensuring that private terrorism risk insurance coverage remains available at virtually no cost to the taxpayer. The Senate will next consider the legislation, where AGC will continue to press for its passage.
On Nov. 20, Senate Republicans introduced an alternative for addressing the multiemployer pension plan crisis. This plan differs greatly from the House-passed Butch Lewis Act. While it makes positive structural reforms to the multiemployer pension plan system, it also raises questions on how it would impact plans and contributing employers. AGC will continue to advocate for a package that provides employees and employers with viable options for addressing pension funding shortfalls and allows for greater plan flexibility. For further information on the Senate plan, view the White Paper and Technical Explanation.
As the U.S. House of Representatives considers a suite of bills to spur action on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), AGC and industry allies urged policymakers to rely on the science and support the federal agencies in their efforts to research and set protective risk-based standards. PFAS are a large and diverse group of chemicals and a one-size-fits-all approach would not be appropriate.
Employers Must Now Submit Openings for Advertising on DOL Website
The agenda for AGC of America’s 2020 Annual Convention includes three sessions specifically for union contractors. The convention will run from March 9-12 in Las Vegas, NV, co-located with the CONEXPO-CON/AGG industry trade show. Registration is now open at https://convention.agc.org/.