Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) of New Jersey applauded a federal court decision issued Sept. 12 that could end up prohibiting Jersey City, N.J., from mandating the use of union-only project labor agreements (PLAs) on certain tax-abated construction projects. ABC has long maintained that PLAs reduce competition and drive up the cost of development.

The U.S. House of Representatives September 13 unanimously passed a key piece of workforce development legislation. The Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act (H.R. 5587), sponsored by Rep. Glenn Thompson (R-Pa.)  reauthorizes and reforms the Carl D Perkins Career and Technical Education Act to better align America’s workforce development programs with industry demand. ABC is supportive of Rep. Thompson’s legislation and has worked with Congressional leaders to shape policy that will equip our nation’s students with the tools and experience needed to succeed in the21st-century workforce.

Ten students pursuing craft professional training in the construction industry were awarded the second annual Build Your Future scholarships through ABC’s Trimmer Construction Education Foundation. The scholarships are given to the top 10 students attending an NCCER-accredited program or a state/federally approved apprenticeship program in a merit-shop training facility. 

ABC's strategic partner CNA has released a new bulletin on proactive measures that can help to curb the spread of the Zika virus. Although the only confirmed cases of local transmission (not travel-related) have been in South Florida, many areas in the United States have the types of mosquitoes that can become infected with and spread Zika.

At the ABC Future Leaders Lab, construction industry young professionals will partner with Blake Cavignac, founder of Young Pro Elite, in a collaborative workshop focused on improving productivity, performance and industry leadership. Once complete, these ABC young leaders will have built lasting connections with fellow next-gen leaders of the merit shop and a powerful blueprint for personal success.

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) final rule on non-hobbyist small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS or drones) took effect on Monday, Aug. 29. The final rule applies to commercial drones weighing less than 55 pounds and defines specific regulations for operation and pilot certification. For a summary of the rule’s operational limitations, see this detailed article from Newsline.

On Aug. 29, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) released  its final Enforcement Guidance on Retaliation and Related Issues .  The new guidance replaces the EEOC’s 1998 Compliance Manual Section 8: Retaliation.

In the wake of the Aug. 24 issuance of the final rule  on “blacklisting,” ABC is quickly deploying resources to help members comply with new requirements while pursuing legislative efforts and, potentially, litigation to protect contractors and taxpayers from the policy.

For more than two weeks in August, a team of carpenters, plumbers and electrical workers descended upon local Vietnam veteran Robert Gentle’s home, performing renovations free of charge to help him move around more freely — and to thank him for his service.

After days of torrential rain and flooding, President Obama declared a major disaster in Louisiana. Residents are facing a prolonged cleanup effort after widespread flooding killed at least 11 people and left an estimated 11,000 homeless or temporarily displaced. ABC's New Orleans/Bayou Chapter is working with local organizations to aid flood victims. Monetary donations to support their efforts can be made to the ABC disaster relief fund with the Red Cross.