On Feb. 9,  President Trump signed three executive orders, including: 1) directing the administration’s new Attorney General to develop a strategy to more effectively prosecute people who engage in crimes against law enforcement officers, 2) establishing a task force to reduce crime in communities across the nation, and 3) refocusing federal resources on disrupting transnational criminal organizations.

On July 8, 2016 ABC and a coalition of stakeholders filed a lawsuit against the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) final rule on Tracking of Workplace Injuries and Illnesses, commonly referred to as the “electronic reporting and anti-retaliation final rule.” The complaint filed on July 8, immediately challenged the anti-retaliation provisions of the final rule that limit post-accident drug testing and safety incentive programs. On Feb. 8, the complaint was amended to include the provision

On Feb. 6, Missouri became the 28th Right to Work state in the country and the sixth state to take action since 2012 after Gov. Eric Greitens (R-Mo.) signed ABC-supported legislation, SB 19. ABC’s Heart of America chapter thanked the governor and key members of the legislature for their leadership in allowing workers to freely decide whether to join a labor union, a policy that will benefit all of Missouri.

Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) today announced that more than 170 of the top construction apprentices and trainees in the country will compete in the 30th annual National Craft Championships, March 1-2 during ABC’s Workforce Week ‘17 in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

Over the last week, the Trump administration initiated a review of U.S. financial regulations and secured the confirmation of Betsy DeVos as Secretary of Education. For an overview of administration activity to date and insight into potential legislative and regulatory actions, register for the Feb. 16 webinar “Learn the Latest on the Trump Administration” presented by ABC’s general counsel Littler Mendelson, P.C.

The U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation to block implementation of the Obama administration’s Fair Pay and Safe Workplaces Executive Order 13673, commonly referred to as “blacklisting,” through the Congressional Review Act (CRA). The bill (H. J. Res. 37) was passed by a vote of 236-187 after ABC sent a letter to the House urging lawmakers to support it. The U.S. Senate is expected to vote on a similar resolution the week of Feb. 13. 

ABC Member Natalia Luis of M. Luis Construction spoke about her meeting at the White House with President Trump on the difficulties small businesses face every day on Fox News earlier this week. After her meeting, Luis attended the signing of President Trump's executive order on small business regulation.

New study reveals essential intelligence on the risks faced by building owners, general contractors and trade contractors and the benefits achieved from specific risk evaluation and mitigation practices. A key determination of this study is that collaboration between building owners, general contractors and subcontractors can aid in keeping construction project costs under control, result in a timely delivery and enhance the safety environment.

Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) today announced the finalists for its 2017 Craft Professional of the Year and Craft Instructor of the Year awards. Winners of both awards will be announced March 3 during ABC’s Workforce Week ’17 in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

Legislation was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives to repeal the prevailing wage requirements of the Davis-Bacon Act on Jan. 30 by Rep. Steve King (R-Iowa). The bill, H.R. 743, was referred to the House Committee on Education and the Workforce.