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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 �鶹��Ƶ of America’s Union Contractors Steering Committee and other �鶹��Ƶ 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. �鶹��Ƶ, 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, �鶹��Ƶ 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 �鶹��Ƶ 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.

New national directive tracks �鶹��Ƶ contractor recommendations

This week, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE or Corps) provided �鶹��Ƶ and other stakeholders with an update on its efforts to “revolutionize USACE civil works,” highlighting three main objectives: (1) accelerate project delivery, (2) transform financing and budgeting, and (3) improve permitting and regulation reform. The Nov. 29 webinar meeting (click here for the slides) was a follow-up to a roundtable discussion held this spring at Corps’ headquarters and a request for public input on existing USACE regulations that may be appropriate for repeal, replacement, or modification. During each and every opportunity, �鶹��Ƶ has provided the Corps with comprehensive comments, both in writing and during face-to-face meetings. Below is a listing of the Corps’ recent accomplishments to speed up Clean Water Act Section 404 permitting – as well as several key actions in progress – demonstrating that �鶹��Ƶ’s input in being heard and acted upon.

December 11, 2018 – AND – December 13, 2018 | 2 – 3:30 PM EST

The Department of Labor’s (DOL) Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) today announced three new directives aimed at establishing an opinion letter process and enhancing OFCCP’s Help Desk, establishing a process to resolve compliance evaluations at the earliest stage possible with corporate-wide compliance, and clarifying the Agency’s compliance review procedures. These new directives are part of the Department’s efforts to maximize the effectiveness of compliance assistance outreach. Together the directives are intended to provide federal contractors and their employees with greater certainty on how OFCCP conducts compliance evaluations and investigations, in general and in particular fact-based scenarios.

Construction employment grew in 281, or 78 percent, out of 358 metro areas between October 2017 and October 2018, declined in 43 and was unchanged in 34, according to a new analysis of federal employment data released today by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials cautioned that such widespread employment gains might not continue without policy changes to increase the supply of qualified workers.