Legal/Regulation
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Fotolia
Biden likely to raise corporate tax rate
While President Joe Biden is expected to increase the top corporate tax rate to 28%, he may also push for new tax breaks for certain businesses.
By Robert Freedman • Jan. 22, 2021 -
How Biden's Inauguration Day executive orders will impact construction
From a review of environmental regulations to new federal contracting rules and immigration policies, many of President Joe Biden's actions on his first day in office have ramifications for construction firms across the country.
By Jenn Goodman • Jan. 20, 2021 -
OSHA raises penalty maximums, establishes new debt collection procedures
Contractors that don't pay their fines or make payment arrangements will open themselves up to more inspections, the agency said.
By Kim Slowey • Jan. 15, 2021 -
Retrieved from Gage Skidmore/Flickr.
Biden will ask OSHA to reconsider decision to skip emergency coronavirus standards
He will also direct the agency to target the worst violators and increase the number of inspectors.
By Kate Tornone • Jan. 14, 2021 -
AECOM sues Zurich for payment of COVID-19 property damage claims
The contractor says that Zurich American Insurance did not exclude viruses like the novel coronavirus from its coverage.
By Kim Slowey • Jan. 14, 2021 -
Report: Collective bargaining agreements create 'robust' middle-class jobs for union construction workers
CBAs in northeastern Illinois supported $7.5 billion in construction wages that were pumped into the local economy, according to a new study.
By Kim Slowey • Jan. 13, 2021 -
CDC/Alissa Eckert, MS. "covid-19 coronavirus on black background". Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/media/subtopic/images.htm.
California enacts strict new COVID-19 notification law
While codifying many of the emergency temporary standards for COVID-19 adopted last year, California's AB 685 also expands Cal/OSHA's ability to shut down jobsites without a customary 15-day response period.
By Joe Bousquin • Jan. 12, 2021 -
Law firms form alliance to take on international construction
The LCL International Alliance will have more than 130 legal and technical professionals at its disposal.
By Kim Slowey • Jan. 11, 2021 -
SOPA Images Limited / Alamy Stock Photo
Construction, other trade groups decry mob violence at US Capitol
Despite Wednesday's unrest, AGC's chief said the violent attack by Trump supporters won't stop the peaceful transfer of power.
By Joe Bousquin • Jan. 08, 2021 -
US Conference of Mayors
Biden taps former construction union leader Marty Walsh to lead Labor Department
The announcement brought cheers from the AFL-CIO and building trades groups, which lauded the Boston mayor's decades of experience in construction.
By Jenn Goodman , Katie Clarey • Jan. 08, 2021 -
Trump administration pushing through approvals for energy, mining projects on public land
The White House is using President Donald Trump's last days in office to secure approvals for projects across the U.S.
By Kim Slowey • Jan. 07, 2021 -
Dems edge closer to Senate control, raising stakes for construction
As the country awaits the final outcome of yesterday's runoff in Georgia, there's no doubt that the impacts will be far-reaching for contractors.
By Joe Bousquin , Jenn Goodman • Jan. 06, 2021 -
Opinion
How OSHA priorities could shift under President-elect Biden
In addition to COVID-19 issues, there are several other construction-related workplace concerns that could become front and center for OSHA this year, according to attorney Casey Verville.
By Casey Verville • Jan. 05, 2021 -
Contractors to benefit from latest round of PPP funding
Legislation approving new Paycheck Protection Program loans will provide much-needed relief to many construction firms, says an industry expert.
By Anna Hrushka , Jenn Goodman • Jan. 05, 2021 -
Employers do not have to pay for certain travel time between office, telework locations, DOL says
The letter is the latest in a series of U.S. Department of Labor documents weighing in on remote work.
By Ryan Golden • Jan. 04, 2021 -
Edwin Lopez / Construction Dive
Biden halts US-Mexico border wall construction
President Joe Biden's proclamation, made just hours after his swearing in, directs private contractors to stop work as soon as possible.
By Kim Slowey • UPDATED: Jan. 21, 2021 at 9:17 a.m. -
Fotolia
While mandatory COVID-19 sick leave expires, tax credit for employers continues
The pandemic relief package passed by Congress last week extends tax credits through March but did not extend Families First Coronavirus Response Act leave requirements.
By Kim Slowey • UPDATED: Jan. 4, 2021 at 7:57 a.m. -
Samantha Liss, Healthcare Dive
Employers can require proof of COVID-19 vaccination — with some exceptions, EEOC says
But, the agency said, companies may be able to exclude workers who can't receive a coronavirus vaccine under certain circumstances.
By Ryan Golden • Dec. 17, 2020 -
Skanska claims liability should be waived for damages caused by construction barges
The contractor is asking the court to either relieve the company from all liability associated with damages caused by its Florida barges during Hurricane Sally or limit it to less than $1.5 million.
By Kim Slowey • Dec. 15, 2020 -
Deep Dive
Tax changes on the horizon: What contractors need to know
Construction pros must consider the effects of a Biden tax plan, potential coronavirus relief and other factors for their end-of-year strategy, industry accountants say.
By Kim Slowey • Dec. 14, 2020 -
Retrieved from Wikipedia.
AGC sues feds over PPP loan necessity questionnaire
The Associated General Contractors of America's lawsuit seeks to compel the federal government to revise the Paycheck Protection Program questionnaire, saying "they do not have the right to use a secretly crafted form to gather unprecedented amounts of proprietary information."
By Jenn Goodman • Dec. 09, 2020 -
Fotolia
Wisconsin judge bars release of COVID-19 employer info
In a victory for construction and other trade groups, the ruling prevents the release of the names of employers that have had workers with COVID-19.
By Kim Slowey • Dec. 08, 2020 -
"Medical disposable masks on wooden background" by Marco Verch Professional Photographer and Speaker is licensed under CC BY 2.0
Where face coverings are required .... and where they are not
Contractors and their employees should be aware of mask mandates and emergency standards as they move about their projects.
By Kim Slowey • Dec. 04, 2020 -
Enbridge clears final regulatory hurdle for $2.6B Minnesota pipeline project
The Line 3 replacement project is expected to generate 4,200 union jobs.
By Jenn Goodman • Dec. 02, 2020 -
Getty Images
Can employers restrict workers' personal travel?
As COVID-19 cases surge, construction and other businesses have some options when it comes to employees' holiday vacations.
By Ryan Golden • Dec. 01, 2020
