A new measure announced today by the Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will provide the kind of clarity needed to ensure that the waters of the U.S. continue to become even cleaner. The newly proposed clean water rule outlines clear and specific guidelines as to which sites require a federal water permit in addition to state and local water permits, and what needs to be done to protect federally permitted waters. As a result, the new measure will enable contractors for all types of construction projects, from schools to local roadways and other infrastructure, to understand which permits they need and proceed without substantial regulatory delay and additional cost.

Construction employment increased by 5,000 jobs in November and by 282,000 jobs over the past year while the industry’s average pay continued increases and unemployment decreased to a historic low, according to an analysis of new government data by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials called on public officials to enhance career training and education and employment-based immigration reform to ensure an adequate supply of qualified workers.

February 20, 2019, at AGC’s Headquarters in Arlington, Va.

Collective bargaining negotiations settled from January through September of 2018 resulted in an average first-year increase in wages and benefits of 3.0 percent or $1.70, and a median of 2.6 percent or $1.43, according to the Construction Labor Research Council’s (CLRC’s) latest Settlements Report.

Enrollment in E-Verify is a mandatory subject of bargaining, the National Labor Relations Board (“NLRB” or “Board”) recently held, and an employer committed unfair labor practice when it unilaterally enrolled without notify its workers’ union and offering an opportunity to bargain.

On Nov. 1, 2018, members of AGC of America’s Union Contractors Steering Committee and other AGC leaders and staff held a lunch meeting with several leaders of the building trades in Washington, DC. Participants discussed a variety of matters currently of concern to union contractors and labor.

Given the many shortcomings of the multiemployer pension system traditionally used in the unionized sector of the construction industry, many parties are looking for alternatives. AGC, in cooperation with labor and others, is actively advocating for legislative changes that would authorize a new retirement plan model called “composite plans.” In the meantime, there are some alternative plan designs already available to consider. In January, AGC will offer a three-part WebEd series designed to educate union contractors and their representatives about alternatives and help inform their decisions. The series is free to AGC members and chapter staff.

Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have proposed a new clean water rule to replace the controversial 2015 Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule. The 2015 WOTUS rule is undergoing legal challenges and is on hold in 28 states, creating a patchwork of regulations. Today’s proposal is intended to correct the regulatory overreach of the old rule while continuing to protect federal waters

Construction spending inched lower in October from September levels but increased from the October 2017 total, according to an analysis of new Census data by the Associated General Contractors of America. However, investment in public infrastructure posted declines from recent peaks, and association officials urged the White House and Congress to act promptly on comprehensive infrastructure legislation.

AGC’s Lean Construction Forum is focused on growing the implementation of lean practices in the construction industry by providing educational opportunities and developing a community where anyone with an interest in lean construction can come together to engage in a dialog on best practices, share information, and participate in a broad, coordinated effort to promote and define the use of lean concepts and processes within the construction industry.