The massive health care law, known as the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), continues to create uncertainty and confusion in the construction industry, making it difficult for the nation's contractors to plan for the future and create jobs. And with the employer mandate provisions becoming effective in 2015, significant employer education is required to understand how to comply with the law.

In a 55-44 vote, the U.S. Senate Oct. 29 confirmed Richard Griffin to serve a four-year term as the National Labor Relations Board’s general counsel, despite opposition from Senate Republicans and the ABC-led Coalition for a Democratic Workplace (CDW). 

ABC launched a new social media initiative which will enhance the Hispanic advocacy efforts within the organization, with three of ABC National’s social media accounts now available in Spanish. 

Discuss the ideas and trends that are shaping the future of the construction industry with other influencers, experts and change agents—both those who are up on the stage from companies such as BP, Autodesk, KBR, LedCor and Dupont—and those sitting in the audience.Register now.

On Oct. 25, OSHA announced a 47-day extension of the public comment deadline for OSHA’s proposed crystalline silica rulemaking from Dec. 11 to Jan. 27. More than 25 business organizations, including ABC, the Construction Industry Safety Coalition and others in the industry, requested additional time for stakeholders to appropriately analyze OSHA’s proposal, develop useful data and provide meaningful feedback. Also requesting extensions were the House Education and the Workforce Committee, Small Business Committee and the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Office of Advocacy. Most requests, including ABC’s, asked for 90 days

At the 2013 National Craft Championships (NCC), Daniel Ary Sr. from Bakersfield, Calif., represented ABC member company TIC in the welding-pipe competition. During the competition, Ary displayed his passion for his craft and his passion for being a part of the construction industry is clearly demonstrated in the video below. By sending a craft trainee to compete in the 2014 NCC competition, ABC members can also showcase their talented and dedicated employees.

The federal government reopened on Oct. 17 after at 16-day shutdown and agencies that either weren’t operating or were only partially operating during that time are back up and running. Here is some information on what ABC members can expect from a few of the agencies post-shutdown. 

ABC members who want to apply for the National Safety Excellence Awards (NSEA) have until Friday, Oct. 25 to submit their applications. New for 2013, Safety Training Evaluation Process (STEP) Gold recipients are eligible to apply for the award along with all 2013 Diamond and Platinum recipients.

An updated summary of employer requirements under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) is available for ABC members in a reference document provided by Washington Council Ernst & Young.

ABC of California expressed their concern and opposition for two bills signed into law Oct. 13 by Gov. Jerry Brown (D) that will expand prevailing wage requirements and drive up the costs of local public and private projects.