Legal/Regulation

NY lawsuit alleges Black workers assigned to ‘the dungeon,’ denied PPE

The complaint alleged a New York developer subjected Black employees to racial slurs, shorted their pay and denied them safety gear that was given to White workers.

By Joe Bousquin • Nov. 29, 2022

The Dotted Line: Construction’s top 3 disputes, and how to avoid them

Plan for the unexpected, document everything and lean on third-party experts to keep issues out of court, attorneys say.

By Joe Bousquin • Nov. 29, 2022

Fluor to pay $33M settlement in securities fraud lawsuit

A federal judge in Texas granted the motion for final approval for the settlement between the contractor and investors.

By Sebastian Obando • Nov. 14, 2022

Work resumes on $830M Obama Presidential Center project

Construction was halted for three days following the discovery of a noose on the Chicago jobsite.

By Matthew Thibault • Updated Nov. 16, 2022

Judge dismisses construction worker’s discrimination charges against Microsoft

A federal judge ruled the software company was not the employer of a construction worker who performed tasks for a Skanska-Balfour Beatty JV.

By Joe Bousquin • Nov. 9, 2022

$1B Texas Harbor Bridge work resumes, completion delayed to 2025

Texas DOT had forced Flatiron/Dragados to stop work over safety concerns.

By Julie Strupp • Nov. 3, 2022

Top 10 causes of construction claims

Firms need to turn to technology to help avoid issues like scope changes and incomplete design, according to a new report.

By Sebastian Obando • Nov. 2, 2022

NYC law targets construction sites as part of new rat abatement program

The New York City Council passed the Rat Action Plan Thursday to help address the Big Apple’s notorious rodent problems.

By Sebastian Obando • Oct. 28, 2022

Associate commissioner of NYC DDC wants more design-build

The city is largely restricted by state law to use the lowest bidder system, but Alison Landry hopes to modernize the procurement process in her new role with the Department of Design and Construction.

By Matthew Thibault • Oct. 25, 2022

The Dotted Line: How to include anti-bias clauses in construction contracts

To wrap up Construction Inclusion Week, lawyers discuss anti-harassment language in subcontracts to codify a unified approach against hate on jobsites.

By Joe Bousquin • Oct. 25, 2022

Clean energy companies warn building standard change threatens wind, solar projects

“The stated goal of FEMA’s proposal is increased grid reliability, but when you needlessly make it harder to build resilient clean energy, the obvious effect is a reduction in reliability,” the Solar Energy Industries Association CEO said.

By Ethan Howland • Oct. 20, 2022

Transportation leaders aim to boost equity in federal infrastructure efforts

Six state DOTs have pledged to create more prime contracting opportunities for historically disadvantaged businesses in IIJA work.

By Julie Strupp • Oct. 18, 2022

Construction pros call for immigration reform to fill surge of open jobs

A lack of political will has stymied efforts to tap foreign-born workers for a coming flood of public and private projects, according to industry advocates.

By Sebastian Obando • Oct. 18, 2022

Mortenson’s CEO on creating a playbook to respond to hate

Dan Johnson talks about the importance of shining a light on jobsite discrimination and rooting out those who bring the industry down.

By Joe Bousquin • Oct. 18, 2022

DOL rule proposal could make more workers employees

The Department of Labor may revert a Trump-era rule in an effort to curb worker misclassification in industries like construction, healthcare and retail.

By Zachary Phillips • Oct. 12, 2022

EEOC sues Schuff Steel for discrimination

The leading steel erector denied the charges from the suit, one of four the agency has filed against construction companies in recent weeks.

By Joe Bousquin • Oct. 7, 2022

Construction executive’s house, cars vandalized by anti-development activists

A radical group claimed responsibility for an attack on the Birmingham, Alabama-area home of Brasfield & Gorrie’s chairman and left a message on the driveway: “c u soon. it’s up to you if we make good on this promise.”

By Joe Bousquin • Oct. 6, 2022

EEOC sues 2 Florida contractors for discrimination

The suits allege managers harassed and belittled non-White employees, who were then fired when they complained.

By Joe Bousquin • Oct. 3, 2022

You can’t always avoid claims: How to be part of the solution

Claims will happen, learn how to partner with your surety to save time, money and your reputation.

By Jay Farley, Vice President – Claims, Merchants Bonding Company • Oct. 3, 2022

Builders face security, privacy risks as BIM takes off

As state and federal agencies tighten cybersecurity regulations on their projects, here’s how contractors and subs can comply.

By Julie Strupp • Sept. 29, 2022

EEOC sues California contractor for national origin, sexual harassment

Supervisors used derisive language against Latino workers and threatened to sexually assault them, the lawsuit claims.

By Joe Bousquin • Sept. 29, 2022

The Dotted Line: Cost escalations lead to more disputes

Construction attorneys say price increases for labor and materials are causing friction between GCs, subs and owners.

By Joe Bousquin • Sept. 27, 2022

Collecting personal data improves safety, but increases contractor liability

Companies could face legal consequences for failing to secure employee data.

By Robyn Griggs Lawrence • Sept. 21, 2022

XL Construction’s Chris Bailey talks inflation, supply chain and the need for immigration reform

After correctly predicting that higher costs and supply chain impacts weren’t temporary in early 2021, the California-based contractor gives his views on the biggest challenges facing the sector now.

By Joe Bousquin • Sept. 19, 2022

Feds won’t enforce contractor COVID-19 vaccine mandate

Updated guidance indicates the government won't implement an executive order requiring the shot, but confusion remains.

By Joe Bousquin • Sept. 8, 2022