Legal/Regulation: Page 86
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Deep Dive
'Truly no better option': H-2B visas for construction workers spark industry controversy
Although construction uses less than 5% of H-2B foreign worker visas, industry groups are split on how this program impacts U.S. jobs.
By Kim Slowey • June 21, 2016 -
$1B TEX Rail set to open in 2018, still awaiting federal funds
Some TEX Rail opponents maintain the decision to proceed with the high-speed train system should have been up for a Tarrant County vote.
By Kim Slowey • June 21, 2016 -
Explore the Trendline➔
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TrendlineLegal Issues
Contracts, disputes, change orders and delays can keep builders up at night. Construction Dive covers some of the top issues facing the industry.
By Construction Dive staff -
US, Canada fail to reach softwood lumber deal
The countries are currently operating under an agreement on softwood lumber — a crucial product for residential construction — that expired last year.
By Kim Slowey • June 20, 2016 -
'Sham' IL WBE contractor convicted of fraud
Prosecutors said Elizabeth Perino allowed her certified woman-owned business to be used as a shell by larger contractors to meet minority goals on public projects.
By Kim Slowey • June 20, 2016 -
OSHA fines 2 Vikings stadium builders $173K in worker's death
Both Mortenson and Berwald Roofing are contesting the fines, which resulted from an August 2015 incident when two workers slid down the stadium's roof.
By Kim Slowey • June 17, 2016 -
OSHA fines 5 construction companies $115K on NE project
The contractors face a range of violations for allowing employees to work at heights of five stories without protection, as well as other hazards.
By Kim Slowey • June 16, 2016 -
Safety group urges NYC construction industry to replace older cranes
City officials appointed the group after a February crane collapse in Manhattan killed one pedestrian.
By Kim Slowey • June 14, 2016 -
Deep Dive
'A victory for property owner rights': How the Supreme Court's Waters of the US-related ruling impacts builders
The recent decision against the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers could save developers years of procedure time and hundreds of thousands of dollars.
By Kim Slowey • June 14, 2016 -
US senator calls for investigation into Tesla's use of foreign construction workers
Sen. Charles Grassley (R-IA) is urging federal agencies to investigate the visa status of workers at Tesla's Fremont, CA, painting facility.
By Kim Slowey • June 13, 2016 -
NYC contractor convicted of manslaughter in 'landmark' worker safety case
Prosecutors said Harco Construction received repeated warnings about unsafe trench conditions prior to Carlos Moncayo's death.
By Kim Slowey • June 13, 2016 -
UPDATE: WA convention center project cost rises to $1.6B; construction timeline unchanged
Developers said the higher price tag is due primarily to rising costs associated with acquiring steel and buying the additional property.
By Emily Peiffer , Kim Slowey • June 13, 2016 -
IL unveils 6-year, $11B infrastructure program
The Illinois Department of Transportation said the funding will go toward much-needed repairs to highways and bridges.
By Kim Slowey • June 10, 2016 -
US company axes partnership with China for Los Angeles-Las Vegas rail line
XpressWest said China Railway International could not get the regulatory approvals necessary to allow the joint venture to proceed.
By Kim Slowey • June 10, 2016 -
San Francisco doubles builders' affordable housing obligation
While Proposition C requires the inclusion of more affordable units in developments, critics say the mandate will "kill" some planned projects.
By Kim Slowey • June 9, 2016 -
UPDATE: San Diego voters approve $3B Prop. H infrastructure measure
Proponents of the city infrastructure tax initiative said the predictable revenue will prevent vital public works projects from being neglected.
By Kim Slowey • June 8, 2016 -
Arcadis: Resolution time for global construction disputes on the rise
In North America, errors and omissions in contracts were the primary cause of disputes.
By Kim Slowey • June 8, 2016 -
Gilbane's hiring practices trigger major backlash from NYC trade unions
The contractor has stepped on union toes by hiring a mix of union and nonunion workers on big projects in the city.
By Kim Slowey • June 7, 2016 -
NY contractor facing manslaughter charges after worker's death
Prosecutors said Salvatore Schirripa put his workers at risk on a Coney Island site by requiring them to work six stories up without safety harnesses.
By Kim Slowey • June 7, 2016 -
Deep Dive
The Dotted Line: Inside the 'dance' of subcontractor negotiations
Subs can attempt to negotiate for a wide range of items in their contracts, but general contractors say it all must tie into their agreements with the owner.
By Kim Slowey • June 7, 2016 -
Labor Secretary Perez lauds WI apprenticeship programs
The stigma around careers in the trades has proven to be a main contributor to the severe lack of skilled workers in construction.
By Kim Slowey • June 6, 2016 -
GA city plans to build tiny house community for homeless
Small home developments have become more popular, but they are often met with resistance from neighbors who say they fear the effects on their neighborhoods.
By Kim Slowey • June 6, 2016 -
Father, daughter construction execs sentenced to prison for misappropriating funds
Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance said the case was an example of how "fraud permeates nearly every corner of the city’s construction industry."
By Kim Slowey • June 6, 2016 -
CA contractor settles DBE fraud case for $5.4M
Prosecutors said Harper Construction used a sham disadvantaged business to cover up the fact that it was funneling work to an affiliated company.
By Kim Slowey • June 3, 2016 -
Non-union construction workers slam San Diego Chargers stadium PLA
The Coalition for Fair Employment in Construction said that project labor agreements are "kickback schemes" that keep non-union workers from making a living.
By Kim Slowey • June 3, 2016 -
NV construction groups call on Tesla to reexamine gigafactory hiring practices
Union reps said Tesla is allowing a significant number of out-of-state workers onto the project — contradicting its agreement with the state.
By Kim Slowey • June 3, 2016