Legal/Regulation

Construction firms search for legal loopholes to federal contractor vaccine mandate

Some companies may explore spinning off separate LLCs, but the chances of success are low, according to guidance from attorneys and the government.

By Leslie Shaver • Nov. 23, 2021

Congressional subcommittee looks into why $66B of infrastructure funds won't target minority contractors

The Federal Railroad Administration, unlike DOT, doesn't have an established program to award contracts to Disadvantaged Business Enterprises.

By Joe Bousquin • Nov. 23, 2021

Construction techies laud $100M in infrastructure act, push for more

While industry experts praised the construction technology funding included in the infrastructure package, some are asking whether even more money should have been allocated for this booming segment.

By Sebastian Obando • Nov. 17, 2021

Court stays ETS employer vaccine mandate

The 5th Circuit ordered the stay due to "grave statutory and constitutional issues with the mandate."

By Kathryn Moody • Updated Nov. 8, 2021

Should climate change, racial equity factor into OSHA's new heat standards?

The agency is soliciting comments on topics ranging from heat-stress thresholds to exposure monitoring.

By Katie Clarey • Nov. 4, 2021

Former Navillus execs convicted of embezzling more than $1M in worker benefits

Three former leaders at one of New York City's largest contractors were convicted of placing workers on the payroll of a contracting firm that issued fraudulent invoices.

By Leslie Shaver • Oct. 28, 2021

White House announces guidelines to boost unions in the federal workforce

Vice President Kamala Harris' announcement encouraging civil workers to join unions is a stark difference from the policies of former President Donald Trump, who worked to diminish their influence.

By Sebastian Obando • Oct. 26, 2021

The Dotted Line: 5 ways to protect yourself when taking over someone else's project

Stepping into an existing project is a challenge. Experts suggest snapping photographs and ensuring clarity on payments before getting work started.

By Leslie Shaver • Oct. 26, 2021

How A.I. can change the way you view your jobsite for the better

In one year, a construction camera takes at least 25,000 photos of the jobsite. With thousands of photos, this visual data is rarely utilized to its fullest. When paired with an advanced visual data system, unlocking the insight behind the images is easy.

Oct. 25, 2021

Miami developer sues Moriarty for $3M on delayed Boston high-rise

The complaint alleges approximately $4.9 million in lost revenue for the luxury apartment tower that was originally planned to be finished in late 2019.

By Sebastian Obando • Oct. 21, 2021

How should Texas contractors navigate clashing COVID-19 vaccine orders?

Gov. Greg Abbott has limited vaccine mandates, while President Joe Biden issued an order requiring them. What now?

By Emilie Shumway • Oct. 21, 2021

The 6 largest OSHA fines of the third quarter of 2021

Atlantic Coast Utilities, a serial violator, faces a $1.2 million fine for violations related to two worker deaths on a Boston jobsite.

By Matthew Thibault • Oct. 19, 2021

Last trial date set in fatal FIU bridge collapse as criminal probe continues

While 23 contractors have settled cases stemming from the 2018 tragedy in Miami, the last holdout is set to go to court on Jan. 10.

By Leslie Shaver • Oct. 19, 2021

Hawbaker faces second lawsuit for employee wage theft case

Workers brought a class action suit against Glenn O. Hawbaker, one of Pennsylvania's largest road builders, after the contractor pleaded no contest to charges from the state attorney general.

By Zachary Phillips • Oct. 19, 2021

AGC, ABC sue Labor Department over Davis-Bacon wages in Nevada

The suit alleges the Labor Department failed to follow its own rules, and those of the federal Davis-Bacon Act, when it used Las Vegas data to determine prevailing wages in 13 northern Nevada counties.

By Joe Bousquin • Oct. 12, 2021

Construction's diversity numbers are awful. Here's how 3 contractors are improving theirs.

Leaders from PCL, Turner & Townsend and XL Construction detail the strategies they are using to tackle the issue.

By Joe Bousquin • Oct. 12, 2021

Skanska requests an additional $50M for Pensacola bridge repairs, wins separate $81M Florida project

In addition, a judge fined the contractor $92,000 for allegedly destroying evidence related to Hurricane Sally on executives' cell phones. 

By Joe Bousquin • Oct. 7, 2021

Residents of luxury NYC condo sue developer

The condominium board at 432 Park Avenue alleged that the developers didn’t consider the height of the residential tower when designing the building, creating a number of problems.

By Leslie Shaver • Oct. 5, 2021

Construction industry leaders urge House to pass infrastructure bill

For now, the much-debated legislation is stuck in political limbo.

By Julie Strupp • Oct. 5, 2021

These 8 new laws will impact construction in Texas

The legislation reduces contractors' liability in certain cases and simplifies some statutes, among other changes.

By Julie Strupp • Sept. 30, 2021

Lendlease to depart Oceanwide's $1B Los Angeles project

Chinese developer Oceanwide Holdings is also trying to sell its $1.6 billion San Francisco property, according to The Real Deal.

By Leslie Shaver • Sept. 29, 2021

The Dotted Line: Careful wording of contracts can combat price escalations

Rising materials prices make it more important than ever for contractors to limit risk in their agreements with owners, attorneys say.

By Joe Bousquin • Sept. 28, 2021

Is climate change a worker safety issue?

Many employers do not have plans in place to deal with workplace hazards presented by extreme weather events.

By Ryan Golden • Sept. 28, 2021

Seattle carpenters reach agreement, end strike

The Northwest Carpenters Union and the Associated General Contractors of Washington reached a deal Monday that includes higher wages and parking benefits, ending a strike that began Sept. 16.

By Joe Bousquin , Matthew Thibault • Updated Oct. 12, 2021

Federal contractors, subs to be vaccinated by Dec. 8

A construction industry trade group said that although COVID-19 vaccinations are important for the workforce, the new regulations will hamper already overburdened firms.

By Jennifer Goodman • Sept. 27, 2021