Press Room
FASB unveils potential changes to pension disclosure rulesThe Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) on Sept. 1 released Exposure Draft 715-80 entitled "Compensation - Retirement Benefits - Multiemployer Plans." This exposure draft is extremely pertinent to any union contractor that participates in a multiemployer pension plan, as it could ... |
Register now for the 10th Annual Zero Injury Safety AwardsOnline registration is now open for NMAPC's 10th Annual Zero Injury Safety Awards Gala, which will take place on Thursday, October 28 at the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C. Every ZISA event is special, but the 10th anniversary celebration promises to be a night to ... |
LIUNA rejoins AFL-CIOThe Laborers' International Union of North America (LIUNA) has announced that it will re-affiliate with the AFL-CIO after four years away from the large umbrella labor organization. "Now more than ever, working people and our country need a united union movement," said LIUNA General President ... |
DOL issues new interpretation on rules for protective clothingThe Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division recently issued a new interpretation of a statute that could have a direct impact on many TAUC members: when employees should be paid for time spent donning and doffing protective equipment. Under Section 3(o) of the Fair Labor Standards Act, ... |
CLRC: Construction Employment Trends, Short and Long Term, July 2010The Construction Labor Research Council (CLRC) has just released its short- and long-term construction employment trends forecast, and you can download it for free at the link below. "Recent months' employment data provides strengthening evidence that the construction industry's long, sharp ... |
CLRC Wage and Benefit Settlements Update, June 2010The Construction Labor Research Council has just released a new report on Wage and Benefit Settlements in collective bargaining agreements, and you can download it for free at the link below, courtesy of TAUC. W&B settlements in 2010 have thus far resulted in an average first-year increase of ... |
Summer issue of "The Construction User" now onlineThe summer issue of The Construction User is now available for downloading in PDF format -- just click on the link below! This issue celebrates the upcoming 10th anniversary of NMAPC's Zero Injury Safety Awards with a special retrospective look back on how the "zero injury" concept was first ... |
New TAUC-NMAPC W.O.R.K. Tool matches owners with contractorsThe Association of Union Constructors (TAUC) and the National Maintenance Agreements Policy Committee (NMAPC) have teamed up to offer TAUC members and NMA signatory contractors a new way to find additional work. The new "Work Opportunity Reference Key," or W.O.R.K. Tool, lets members of ... |
TAUC Leadership Conference 2010 Wrap-upThe TAUC Leadership Conference, held May 11-14 in Phoenix, Ariz., was a success on several levels. Not only did attendees enjoy two days' worth of high-level presentations and expert advice on virtually every aspect of the union construction business, but TAUC also used the occasion to honor the ... |
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TAUC, Interior Dept. Work To Address Skilled Labor Needs on Tribal LandsPHOENIX, ARIZ. - The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC) on May 13 signed a cooperative agreement with the Office of Indian Energy and Economic Development (IEED), part of the U.S. Department of the Interior's Bureau of Indian Affairs, designed to provide crucial new careers for Native ... |
Roger Jayne Named TAUC Craftperson of the YearPHOENIX, ARIZ. - The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC) on May 13 presented Roger Jayne with the annual James J. Willis Craftperson of the Year Award during a special ceremony at the 2010 TAUC Leadership Conference. Jayne is a general foreman and member of Boilermakers Local No. ... |
Cakrane, Bruce Elected To TAUC Board of DirectorsPHOENIX, ARIZ. - Governing members of The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC) - the largest multi-craft union contractor association in the United States - on May 12 elected two new members to the TAUC Board of Directors: Justin Bruce, Vice President of Bruce & Merrilees Electric ... |
Gary Bohn Named New TAUC Labor Committee ChairPHOENIX, ARIZ. - The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC) - the largest multi-craft union contractor association in the United States - today elected Gary Bohn to serve as national Chairman of the Labor Committee. Mr. Bohn currently serves as senior advisor to Kiewit Power Constructors (KPC), ... |
Thomas J. Reynolds Safety Award Winners AnnouncedPHOENIX, ARIZ. - The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC) on May 12 announced the winners of the annual Thomas J. Reynolds Awards for Excellence in Construction Safety and Health during a special ceremony at the 2010 TAUC Leadership Conference. The Thomas J. Reynolds Awards were created ... |
CLRC's Cost of Terms and Conditions in Collective Bargaining Agreements, March 2010The latest edition of the Construction Labor Research Council's report, Cost of Terms and Conditions in Collective Bargaining Agreements, is now available for download in PDF format. Left-click on the link at the end of this article to open the PDF file, or right-click and save it to your ... |
TAUC advocates for legislation to strengthen U.S. manufacturingTAUC has joined more than 80 business, labor, environmental, and government organizations in urging Congress to adopt new tax policies to enhance industrial energy efficiency in order to increase manufacturing competitiveness, create jobs, and reduce pollution. TAUC and other supporters sent ... |
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Register now for the Quality Construction Alliance's National Legislative ConferenceEach year The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC) joins forces with four other national union contractor trade associations to jointly host a National Legislative Conference. This year's Quality Construction Alliance Legislative Conference is taking place May 3-5, 2010 in ... |
CLRC's Construction Labor Rate Trends & Outlook, February 2010For the latest edition of the Construction Labor Research Council's Construction Labor Rate Trends & Outlook in PDF format, click on the link at the end of this article. The Construction Labor Research Council is the industry's most comprehensive source of labor costs and related information ... |
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Ironworkers, OSHA forge new training partnershipThe Ironworkers International Union and OSHA have teamed up to form a new "National Training Partnership" to revise steel erection training materials and provide specialized training to OSHA compliance officers. The partnership caps off several years of sometimes contentious debate ... |
New OSHA eTool aims to prevent electric shock deathsEach year, more than 75 workers die from electric shock while working with electric power, so OSHA has developed a new online "eTool" to explain the agency's safety standards and keep workers safe while working with electrical equipment or near high-voltage power lines. "We cannot allow these ... |
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Spring 2010: "Why America Needs A Manufacturing Strategy"The Spring 2010 issue of The Construction User is now available, featuring a cover story entitled "Why America Needs A Manufacturing Strategy" by Scott Paul, Executive Director of the Alliance for American Manufacturing. You can download a complete copy of the issue in PDF format ... |
TAUC representatives meet with Iron Workers executivesThe Iron Workers' General Executive Council held its spring meeting in Scottsdale, Arizona in late March. Several TAUC members, including CEO Steve Lindauer, were given the opportunity to represent the association and participate in a constructive dialogue about ways to enhance the relationship ... |
Support HR 147TAUC is asking its membership to support HR 147 - Establish a "Homeless Veterans Assistance Fund" Designate $3 of Your Income Tax for Homeless Veterans. Please call or write your Representative and feel free to use the following message: I urge you to cosponsor HR 147 which ... |
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Department of Labor phases out Drug-Free Workplace AllianceDue to a recent reorganization at the Department of Labor's Office of the Assistant Secretary for Policy (OASP), the Working Partners program will be phased out effective February 28, 2010. The Memorandum of Understanding that became effective February 10, 2009 ... |
NACBE's Boilermaker work hour projectionsBelow you will find an update to the National Association of Construction Boilermaker Employers (NACBE) Boilermaker workhour projections for 2010 and 2011. NACBE would like to thank those of you that helped in this effort by submitting your projections (which are kept confidential). All NACBE ... |
Construction Safety ConferenceThe Construction Safety Council held their 20th Annual Construction Safety Conference in Rosemont, IL February 16 ? 18, 2010. The conference featured top-quality speakers from all over the country covering a variety of safety and health subjects. An awards program was part of the luncheon ... |
New TAUC Affinity Program AnnouncedAs a member of TAUC, you can save a minimum of 70% on your less-than-truckload (LTL) "heavyweight" shipments when shipping with UPS Freight. No obligations and no minimum shipping requirements. Note: For large volume shippers and receivers UPSF will customize their rates. With ... |
TAUC and the Zero Injury Institute sign agreementThe Association of Union Constructors (TAUC) and the Zero Injury Institute (ZII) have penned an agreement granting TAUC Governing Members additional savings for ZII training programs. Training modules explain the Zero Injury Philosophy and steps to be taken to achieve zero injuries. ... |
Winter 2009: Union Contractors Celebrate Zero InjuriesThe Winter 2009 issue of The Construction User is now available. Please call 703.524.3336 x112 if you do not receive your copy by Jan. 15, 2010. Also, please call us if someone you know would like to be added to the mailing list. |
Thomas J. Reynolds Safety AwardsThe Thomas J. Reynolds Safety Awards recognize outstanding contractor efforts toward safety and health. The awards will be distributed during the 2010 TAUC Leadership Conference at the Arizona Biltmore Resort and Spa, May 11-14, 2010. Start preparing for the application process now by ... |
Cranes, health-related standards to be OSHA's focusIn maintaining its focus on safety and health for all workers, OSHA recently shared its vision of upcoming regulatory priorities. Here are a few: Cranes and Derricks Crystalline Silica Combustible Dust Occupational Injury and Illness Recording and Reporting Requirements (Musculoskeletal ... |
State of the Union Construction Industry 2009TAUC State of the Union Construction Industry featured a variety of experts on subject matters of high importance to union contractors, local employer associations and labor representatives. Speakers included: Jordan Barab of the Occupational Safety and Health ... |
Hogan named director of industrial relationsDaniel Hogan was named director of industrial relations for The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC) in December of 2009. Mr. Hogan has considerable experience within the construction association business. Hogan, originally from Western New York, most recently held ... |
Preserve Benefits and Jobs Act IntroducedSurrounded by representatives of businesses, labor unions and non-profit organizations that have workers participating in defined benefit pension plans, Congressmen Earl Pomeroy (D-ND) and Pat Tiberi (R-OH) introduced new legislation that will provide pension funding relief which will enable ... |
TAUC Leadership Conference 2010: Arizona Biltmore, PhoenixTAUC Leadership Conference 2010 being held in Phoenix, Arizona from May 11-14, 2010 at the historic Arizona Biltmore Resort and Spa will be another opportunity to "calibrate your leadership compass" and network with some of the most respected leaders in the construction industry. ... |
The Construction User receives 2009 MarCom Gold AwardMarCom Awards announced The Construction User is a Gold Winner in its 2009 international awards competition. The program recognizes outstanding creative achievement by marketing and communication professionals. There were almost 5,000 entries from throughout the United ... |
TAUC Contractors Receive Prized Safety AwardsThis year was the 9th Annual Zero Injury Safety Awards Gala hosted by the National Maintenance Agreements Policy Committee, Inc., and TAUC contractor members were well represented. Seventy three TAUC contractor members in total were recognized for their work on projects that ... |
Drug-Free Work WeekTake the opportunity to refresh your commitment to safety and reiterate your substance abuse program by recognizing Drug-Free Work Week. From Oct. 19-25, 2009, the US Department of Labor held its annual Drug-Free Work Week, dedicated to communicating the importance of working ... |
TAUC is LinkedIn!The Association of Union Constructors now has a presence on the online professional networking Web site www.LINKEDIN.com. To join our group, type "TAUC" in the "Groups" search box. A list of search results should appear. When you find the group called "TAUC," click on ... |
Fall 2009: The modern face of union constructionThe Fall 2009 issue of The Construction User is now available. Please call 703.524.3336 x124 if you do not receive your copy by Oct. 9, 2009. Also, please call us if someone you know would like to be added to the mailing list. |
EPA releases guidance on reducing exposure to PCBsThe U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has announced a series of steps that building owners and school administrators should take to reduce exposure to PCBs that may be found in caulk in many buildings constructed or renovated between 1950 and 1978. The agency is also conducting new research ... |
Is your business prepared for the 2009 - 2010 flu season?The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, with input from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, has developed updated guidance for employers of all sizes to use as they develop and update plans to respond to the current H1N1 influenza outbreak ... |
New guidance released on controlling silica exposures in constructionOSHA recently published a guidance document addressing the control of worker exposure to dust containing crystalline silica, known to cause the lung disease silicosis. The publication is intended to assist employers in providing a safe and healthful workplace by including methods for controlling ... |
ENR tips hat to TAUC contractorsTAUC Governing Members Bechtel, Fluor Corp. and Kiewit Corp. were ranked 1st, 2nd and 5th, respectively, among ENR's Top 400 Contractors. You can find the list in the Sept. 14, 2009, print issue of Engineering News-Record, or access it online by visiting ENR's Web site. Many ... |
Harwood grant recipients announcedThe U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration has awarded more than $6.8 million in Susan Harwood Training Grants. A record number of 345 grant applications were submitted, and only 30 recipients were awarded funding. Grantees include labor unions, employer ... |
NMAPC launches new Web siteThe National Maintenance Agreements Policy Committee launched a new web site, www.NMAPC.org, on Sept. 8. The new and improved site boasts easier navigation, customized landing pages, a new site-wide search function, new social networking features, an expanded Zero Injury Safety ... |
Record crowd convenes for Pennsylvania Powers Union ConstructionIn the single largest meeting of TAUC's history, more than 250 union contractors, labor representatives and industrial business owners from around the country convened at Pennsylvania Powers Union Construction on Sept. 9. Despite limited travel budgets, industry leaders came ... |
'We want to make steel, and we want you to help us,' Surma saysU.S. Steel Chairman and Chief Executive Officer John Surma told more than 250 TAUC contractors, labor representatives and other industry leaders at Pennsylvania Powers Union Construction on Sept. 9 that the road forward for the domestic steel industry and its union contractors will be difficult. ... |
Power generation reps give blueprint for securing work inside utilitiesThe Association of Union Constructors was pleased to host a power generation panel discussion on Sept. 9 at Pennsylvania Powers Union Construction. Panel guests included Thomas Householder of American Electric Power, Kevin Reimer of Public Service Enterprise Group, David Szuch of Allegheny ... |
Want to get more involved with TAUC?There are a number of ways you can get more involved with the association, including committee service, meeting attendance, government advocacy and magazine editorials. Please contact Todd Mustard at 703.524.3336 x112 to find out how you can get more involved with the association. The ... |
Craft Jurisdiction Guide on best-seller listTAUC's Craft Jurisdiction Guide remains a best-seller, reflecting the increasing need for contractors to have a reference to help them properly assign work and avoid jurisdictional disputes. CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE your copy of TAUC's Craft Jurisdiction Guide. Questions about the Guide can be ... |
Dorsey promoted to assistant director of industrial relationsMike Dorsey has been promoted to the position of assistant director of industrial relations, representing The Association of Union Constructors and the National Maintenance Agreements Policy Committee, effective Sept. 1. Mike Dorsey was hired as manager of membership in 2006, ... |
Study finds significant advancements in familiarity, satisfaction with TAUCSeveral months ago, The Association of Union Constructors commissioned a professional research firm to conduct a membership study. The firm reached out to every association member by electronic survey, mail or telephone, and experienced an unusually high response rate, lending additional ... |
Construction deaths decreased in 2008The preliminary release of the National Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries in 2008 was released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics on Aug. 20, 2009. Construction workers still incurred the most fatalities of any industry in the private sector in 2008, even though the numbers ... |
Fall protection webinar takes registration levels to new heightsTAUC contractors came out -- or, more accurately, online -- in droves on Aug. 13 to take part in the webinar, "Non-fatal attraction: Fall for your harness all over again," featuring Jack Moeding of Preferred Safety Products, on Aug. 13. More than 150 union contractors and ... |
TAUC tells feds $25M threshold is too highThe Association of Union Constructors submitted a letter to the General Services Administration on Aug. 13 expressing concerns about the implementation of Executive Order 13502. The order, announced by President Obama in February 2009, declared it the policy of the federal government to utilize ... |
"Death by Cell Phone" campaign gaining groundThe National Safety Council's "Death by Cell Phone" campaign will make you think twice about making that business call in the middle of your morning commute. Distracted driving continues to be an issue as more and more wireless devices are being sold and used across the globe. What kind ... |
W.O.R.K. tool in beta testing; contractor demographics still neededAs of August 2009, TAUC's Work Opportunity Reference Key (commonly known as the "W.O.R.K. tool") is in beta testing. The W.O.R.K. tool is designed to help contractors find available projects, and help owners find qualified contractors, in this tough economy. Before the system can fully ... |
TAUC opposes small employer exemptions in health care billIn partnership with the Campaign for Quality Construction, TAUC is asking Congress to oppose small employer exemptions in upcoming health care legislation. TAUC strongly urges Congress to support small business employers that have been providing health care for employees for decades and include ... |
TAUC regular member to appear in new CBS reality television showThyssenKrupp Safway, a leading provider of scaffolding services in North America, supplied scaffolding to enclose the homes of eight Kennesaw, Ga., families on their property for "There Goes the Neighborhood," a new CBS reality show to air August 9. In the show, the eight families will compete ... |
OSHA creates authorized trainer watch listThinking of shortening that OSHA 10- or 30-hour? Want to give in to the pressure of the students, owner, contractor or client to cut the class short, not cover required topics and issue cards any way? You could jeopardize your training credentials if you do! In an effort to ensure ... |
Obama to nominate epidemiologist as new head of OSHAPresident Obama announced his intentions to nominate Dr. David Michaels as the new head of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration on July 28. Michaels has conducted numerous studies of the health effects of occupational exposure to toxic chemicals, including asbestos, metals and ... |
The Construction User celebrates five years!The Construction User celebrated its 5th anniversary this summer. Over the past five years, the magazine has grown to be one of the most respected trade publications in our industry with a nation-wide circulation of nearly 10,000 union contractors, industrial business owners ... |
ASSE unveils three new fall protection standardsThe American Society of Safety Engineers announced three new fall protection standards have been approved by the American National Standards Institute. According to the statement, the three standards are: ANSI/ASSE Z359.6-2009 Specification and Design Requirements for Active Fall Protection ... |
Unionization rate increases, returns to 1990s levelsThe union sector of the construction industry experienced a number of successes in the past two years, according to the Construction Labor Research Council. Notable trends include: o Rate of unionization increased in all regions; o Number of union workers increased in all regions; and, o ... |
Obama to pursue e-verification of federal contractorsThe Obama administration announced it would implement a Bush-era program targeting federal contractors that hire illegal immigrants, according to The Wall Street Journal. To read more, please click here. |
TAUC supports U.S. Army Reserve Employer Partnership InitiativeThe Association of Union Constructors co-signed a memorandum of mutual support with the U.S. Army Reserve as part of the military's new Employer Partnership Initiative on July 2. The initiative encourages employers to give special consideration to members of the U.S. Army ... |
Governing Member's jobsite recognized as OSHA 'new star'The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has certified the Longview Power Project, managed by TAUC Governing Member Aker Construction, Inc., as a new star site, the highest in its prestigious Voluntary Protection Programs. OSHA Deputy Regional ... |
Summer 2009: Is the NMA too successful?The Summer 2009 issue of The Construction User is now available. Please call 703.524.3336 if you do not receive your copy by July 10, 2009. Also, please call us if someone you know would like to be added to the mailing list. |
Ironworkers breathe new life into Miami Valley marketing programIronworkers in the Dayton, Ohio, and Miami Valley area have reestablished a program to promote the trade to potential contractors and apprentices. The Ironworker Contractors Allied Partnership (ICAP) is focused on creating a larger market share for Ironworker contractors, and their labor force, ... |
Construction Safety Council conference dates set for 2010The Construction Safety Council announced its conference will be held Feb. 16-18, 2010, in Rosemont, Ill. For more information, please visit www.BUILDSAFE.org. |
'How to survive an OSHA inspection' available onlineTAUC's most recent educational webinar is available through the TAUC.org store. Click Here to access the webinar. |
More money for OSHAPresident Obama's FY 2010 U.S. Department of Labor budget includes approximately a 10 percent boost in funding for the Department of Labor. This budget also earmarks $564 million for the Occupational Health and Safety Administration, approximately a 10 percent increase from their FY 2009 ... |
Mirgliotta honored with Spirit of Union Construction AwardThe Association of Union Constructors honored James Mirgliotta with its Spirit of Union Construction Award at TAUC Leadership Conference 2009 on May 7. var flashvars = {file:"/files/TLC09_Spirit.flv"}; var params = {allowfullscreen:"true", wmode:"transparent"}; var attributes = ... |
Gruno named Craftperson of the YearThe Association of Union Constructors named Garth Gruno Craftperson of the Year at TAUC Leadership Conference 2009 on May 7. Gruno is a member of Ironworker Local No. 25, and was honored for his work with Midwest Steel, for Barton Malow Company, on the University of Michigan C.S. Mott ... |
McCarron signals return to Building TradesAfter countless requests from our members, The Association of Union Constructors was pleased to host Douglas McCarron, president of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America, as its keynote speaker for TAUC Leadership Conference 2009 in Orlando. While his ... |
Santillo elected TAUC presidentIn his acceptance speech, Santillo called on union contractors to work with industrial business owners and labor leaders to create a new set of action plans for business in this modern world. "We have entered a challenging era . . . an era in which union construction needs to ... |
Eight new directors elected to boardThe following individuals were elected to a two-year term (2009-2011): Gary Bohn, Kiewit Power Constructors Company; Robert Bowen, Bowen Engineering Corporation; Tony Downey, Day & Zimmermann NPS; Jake Hardy, NAES Power Contractors; Steve Johnson, GEM Industrial; William Ligetti, ... |
Excellence in construction safety and health celebrated at annual conferenceThe awards luncheon was held in conjunction with TAUC Leadership Conference 2009 in Orlando, Fla. Awards were presented by TAUC Safety and Health Committee Chairman Tony Downey, safety director at Day & Zimmermann NPS, Inc. Fluor Constructors International was recognized for the most hours ... |
Contractors find strength in numbers at TAUC Leadership Conference 2009More than 130 union contractors, industrial business representatives and labor leaders met in Orlando from May 5-8 in hopes of finding solutions to the elephant in the room: dwindling market share and a challenged national economy. This year, The Association of Union ... |
The "Codes of Excellence"In an increasingly more competitive construction climate, some of the International Unions have made efforts to increase the professionalism of their trades people by adopting "codes" or "standards" of excellence. The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC) has compiled all of these so ... |
NCCCO launches rigger certificationThe National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO) announced the availability of its much anticipated certification program for riggers. Rigger (Basic) is the first level in a three-level program. Development work on the Intermediate and Advanced Rigger levels is nearing ... |
Spring 2009: The automotive collapseThe Spring 2009 issue of The Construction User is now available. Please call 703.524.3336 x124 if you do not receive your copy by April 10, 2009. Also, please call us if someone you know would like to be added to the mailing list. |
Unionized businesses no more likely to fail than non-unionizedEconomic Policy Institute's John DiNardo released a study concluding unionized businesses are no more likely to fail than non-unionized. Click here to read "Still Open for Business." |
State of Washington mulling new crane safety ruleWashington state officials are planning to adopt a new crane safety rule, according to a BNA report on March 19. The report said the Washington state rule would require crane certification, as well as operator certification, and would require the operator to have 2,000 hours of experience before ... |
Extensive membership research under wayThe Association of Union Constructors is conducting an intensive research effort to learn more about its membership. If you are a TAUC member, you may have already received and participated in the first part of this research. Our goal is to determine members' awareness of, interest in and ... |
Ohio's chief attorney endorses use of labor agreementsIn a bold change of policy, Ohio Attorney General Richard Cordray says he supports local decisions to make project labor agreements a condition of bidding for construction projects involving state funds, according to a letter dated February 2009. "I am aware that some previous attorneys general ... |
Safety agency identifies obstacles to creating a sober workplaceTop 12 Reasons A Good Drug-Free Workplace Program Goes Bad According to the U.S. Department of Labor 1. The drug-free workplace program isn't tied into the organization?s safety plan since it's not required by OSHA regulations. 2. There is a policy on paper, but no one knows what it says. ... |
Nearly 900 union contractors answer call to complete W.O.R.K. profilesIf you would like to help industrial business owners find you for more work, please fill out your profile at www.TAUC.org/WORK/. Please call 703.524.3336 x124 if you need to obtain your username and password. |
TAUC congratulates new labor secretaryARLINGTON, Va. - The Association of Union Constructors looks forward to working with newly appointed Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis. Rep. Hilda Solis, a democrat from California, was confirmed by the U.S. Senate on Feb. 24, one month after she was nominated to the post by President Obama. ... |
Hood named director of industrial relationsThe Association of Union Constructors welcomed Jason Hood as its new director of industrial relations effective Feb. 16. "I have the privilege of welcoming Jason Hood to our organization," Stephen R. Lindauer, chief executive officer, said. "Jason's employee relations experience ... |
Obama lifts ban on labor agreements for federal construction projectsOn February 6, President Obama issued an executive order allowing federal agencies to utilize a project labor agreement on federal and federally assisted construction projects. The new order encourages agencies to consider imposing a project labor agreement but does not require agencies to do so. ... |
Sponsorship opportunities available for 2009The Association of Union Constructors is pleased to announce its 2009 Sponsorship Kit. This year's kit is your tool to maximizing your investment with our association. Opportunities to align your organization with our network of union construction decision-makers are available throughout the ... |
TAUC memorializes Willis with annual awardWASHINGTON, D.C. - The Association of Union Constructors announced it plans to memorialize industry leader James J. Willis, Sr., by renaming its annual construction innovation award. The James J. Willis Craftperson of the Year Award will be awarded to honorees who have demonstrated outstanding ... |
Winter 2008: For safety's sakeThe Winter 2008 issue of The Construction User is now available. ... |
Daughter of union shop steward tapped to be next Secretary of LaborPresident-Elect Barack Obama has designated Rep. Hilda Solis, D-Calif., as his pick to be the next Secretary of Labor. You can read Associated Press coverage of the news by clicking here. You can learn about Solis' past ... |
Now accepting Thomas J. Reynolds Awards nominationsThe Association of Union Constructors is pleased to present the annual Thomas J. Reynolds Awards, recognizing excellence in construction safety and health. Nomination forms are now available online. Contractors are encouraged to submit nominations for the awards before March 8, 2009. The Thomas ... |
OSHA clarifies protective equipment ruleEmployers are required to provide personal protective equipment to every covered employee and can be cited for noncompliance on a per-employee basis, according to the final rule that was published in the Federal Registrar on Dec. 12 |
Creasap named director of safety and healthThe Association of Union Constructors welcomed Wayne Creasap as its new director of safety and health effective Dec. 8. "We're pleased to introduce Wayne Creasap, a well-established member of the construction community, as our new director of safety and health, TAUC Chief ... |
Tell Congress to support emergency relief for pension plansWASHINGTON, D.C. - The Association of Union Constructors is pressing Congress for multiemployer pension plan funding relief in response to the recent dramatic stock market volatility, ... |
Construction industry leaders tackle big issues at "State of the Union"WASHINGTON, D.C. - More than 120 construction industry leaders, from 22 states, gathered for the "State of the Union... Construction Industry 2008" on Dec. 3. "Significant national economic challenges and industry hurdles promise to test our resilience next year," TAUC CEO Steve Lindauer said. ... |
Congratulations Detroit Boiler Company, raffle winnerWASHINGTON, D.C. - Detroit Boiler Company, based out of Detroit, Michigan, was randomly selected in the Dec. 3 W.O.R.K. raffle for a full page advertisement in The Construction User. More than 300 contractors completed their W.O.R.K. profiles online during the month of ... |
Jurisdictional disputes remain problematic, members sayWASHINGTON, D.C. - TAUC contractors expressed frustration with persistent jurisdictional disputes at the "Can We TAUC Back?" panel, which was held at the Dec. 3 "State of the Union... Construction Industry." Al Black, vice ... |
Crane safety Webinar emphasized attention to detail, proceduresMore than 60 registrants attended TAUC's Nov. 20 Webinar, "Lift your bottom line... lower the boom on crane accidents!," reflecting the union construction industry's commitment to improving crane safety. John Hartwell, crane instructor for the Operating Engineers Local 324, and Scott ... |
OSHA chief resignedAs Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health, Edwin G. Foulke, Jr., heads the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and its staff of more than 2,200 safety and health professionals, whistleblower ... |
Free boots!For a limited time, when you start a uniform program with Aramark Uniform Services, each of your uniform-wearers will receive a free pair of steel-toe boots. Just mention that you are a TAUC member when you call Tania Allaire at 818.973.3906. ... |
2008 Construction Conditions SurveyBy Robert Gasperow The industrial construction market is currently in an expansion period. This is fostering a growing situation of additional work practices which increase labor costs beyond the contractual wage and fringe rate. As a result, traditional measures of labor costs ... |
Twenty union contractors join as new regular membersThe Association of Union Constructors is pleased to announce 20 union contractors have joined TAUC to promote excellence in the union construction industry: Chapman Industrial Construction Concrete Constructors Inc Creative Crane & Rigging Inc Deig Bros. Lumber & Constrction Co.... |
The Construction Industry and the EconomyBy Dale Belman, Ph.D. You don't need an economist, a soothsayer or a Magic 8 Ball to tell you that the current economic downturn will affect the U.S. construction industry. The real questions are which markets will be most affected and how long will the current market conditions last? In ... |
Michigan Drives Union Construction Continues Dialogue to Advance IndustryBefore a packed hall of union contractors, labor leaders and representatives from the owner community, TAUC's First Vice President, Bob Santillo, of McCarl's Inc., opened TAUC's annual summer safety - labor forum with ... |
The Craft Labor Supply and Demand Symposium: Connecting the DotsOver 100 industry professionals from the contractor, owner, and labor communities met in Merrillville, Indiana on June 19th for the Construction Advancement Foundation's Craft Labor Supply & Demand Symposium. TAUC President, Robert Hoover of Aker Construction, Inc. and TAUC CEO, Stephen ... |
Can We TAUC?The following are excerpts from the General President's panel entitled "Can We TAUC?" from the 2008 Leadership Conference. The panel was moderated by Mark Breslin, and included General President Patrick Finley of the Operative Plasters & Cement Masons' International Association, President John ... |
2008 Specialty Construction Industry Legislative ConferenceThe Association of Union Constructors (TAUC), The Mechanical Contractors Association of America (MCAA), the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans (IFEBP) and the International Council of Employers of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers (ICE) held their Inaugural Specialty Construction ... |
TAUC Contractors Recognized for Exemplary Year in SafetyThe Thomas J. Reynolds Awards for Excellence in Construction Safety and Health were created more than 2 decades ago to recognize and commend the exceptional efforts made by TAUC contractor members to prevent the occurrence of serious injury or worse on the jobsite. Along with TAUC's Craftsperson ... |
Ingenuity and Leadership on the Jobsite RecognizedThe Association of Union Constructors' (TAUC) Annual Craftsperson Awards for Ingenuity and Innovation in Construction were presented on May 15th in conjunction with TAUC's second annual Leadership Conference which took place in Miami, FL. The Craftsperson Awards for Ingenuity and Innovation in ... |
Union Contractors Have Spoken!On Friday, May 16th, the final day of TAUC's 2nd Annual Leadership Conference, CLRC's Executive Director Bob Gasperow was on hand to shed light on the findings of the 2008 Construction Industry Conditions Survey and touched on what these trends mean for union contractors. The survey's ... |
Union Employer Groups AlignA historic moment recently took place as The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC) and the National Association of Construction Boilermaker Employers (NACBE) formed a strategic alliance that will help both organizations in advancing mutual interests. The two groups have already ... |
BoltTech Hydraulic Wrench FailureAt a generating plant in late March, a new hydraulic wrench from BoltTech (Model QD14 SQDR, S/N 938), was being used to loosen a bolt from a valve. As the operator was attempting to loosen the first bolt the pressure had increased to 8,000 psi when the cast housing of the wrench exploded. The ... |
TAUC/DOL - Drug Free Workplace AllianceAmerica's businesses pay a high price for alcohol and drug abuse. Some costs-increased absences, accidents and errors--are obvious. Others, such as low employee morale and high illness rates, are less so, but the effects are equally harmful. Employers have enormous power to protect their businesses ... |
Contractors and Federal Spending Accountability Act of 2008The federal Government is the world's largest purchasing department. Prudent fiscal managers and government anti-fraud officials have long recognized they should keep better track of the legal compliance of the companies they do business with. They need legislative support and funding to create the ... |
TAUC Welcomes Aramark Uniform Services as Newest Preferred Service ProviderThis year, ARAMARK Uniform Services, a division of ARAMARK, joined TAUC as a Preferred Service Provider. Aramark is a global leader in professional services. Since 1998, ARAMARK has consistently ranked as one of "America's Most Admired Companies" by Fortune. Currently, Aramark provides uniform ... |
2008 Construction Industry Conditions SurveyThe Association of Union Constructors (TAUC) and the Construction Labor Research Council (CLRC) have a long history of working together on this type of data analysis, to provide additional value to its' membership, but also to find ways through hard statistical analysis to make union contractors ... |
Laborers Rejoin the AFL-CIO Building & Construction Trades DepartmentWashington, DC - The Laborers' International Union of North America (LIUNA) announced today that they have rejoined the Building and Construction Trades Department, AFL-CIO, effective immediately. The BCTD Governing Board of Presidents approved the re-affiliation of LIUNA by a unanimous ... |
American Bridge Company Repairs Chesapeake Bay BridgeAn American mainstay, American Bridge Company has been erecting bridges and structures across the US for more than a century. Like its bridges, its legacy spans the US's modern industrial history: It has worked on landmark commercial projects ranging from New York's Chrysler Building to the San ... |
The Future of the Construction IndustryPart 3: How to Attract and Retain Workers in the Future The construction industry needs a paradigm shift in the way it deals with the workforce. The industry must develop a pro-worker environment because nothing less will attract and retain the necessary workers. The industry must understand and ... |
Study on Welding in Confined Spaces Reports Manganese Exposure EffectsWith jobsite safety and health at the top of any contractor's priorities, TAUC consistently looks to keep it's membership up-to-date on the issues that matter. In a study published in the March issue of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, it was found that adverse ... |
Campaign for Quality Construction - National Issues Legislative ConferenceThe Association of Union Constructors (TAUC) is co-sponsoring The Campaign for Quality Construction?s National Issue Conference, May 1-3, 2007, at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Washington D.C. This conference includes issue briefings, incisive guest speakers, insider Washington information, addresses by ... |
Six-Union MAC Group Formally Approves "Jurisdictional Warranty," Resolution RulesAmong its stated objectives, the MAC unions are committed to "marketing the skills of our crafts," "fostering cooperative efforts" among the affiliates, "maintaining craft unionism with common sense cooperative job practices," performing "quality work," and "maintaining a level of productivity" ... |
Awful BossesA bad boss, at one point or another most of us have had to endure a few months or maybe even a number of years taking orders from a superior who just doesn?t seem to care. For those of us that have been spared the ?bad boss? experience, some insight has been provided by Working America, a community ... |
OSHA at a CrossroadsThe Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has some thinking to do. With close to 65% of the agency?s staff either eligible for retirement or nearing that point in time, now is the time for OSHA to decide what the future holds. Edwin G. Foulke, Jr., Assistant Secretary of Labor for ... |
Steel Production Goes GreenThe greenhouse gases (GHGs) emitted from producing steel has always been an environmental concern for the construction industry. Recently though, scientists at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have uncovered a new means of processing iron, a key ingredient in steel, that removes the ... |
Ironworker Welding Certification ProgramSince 1998, thirty-thousand Ironworkers have been trained and certified in an extensive number of pre-qualified welding procedures through the Ironworkers Welding Certification Program. This program is nationally recognized and was created in conjunction with structural welding code from the ... |
New Boilermaker Training Center OpensJust last fall, the members of Boilermakers Local 132 proudly dedicated a $1 million training facility in La Marque, TX. Its goal: turn out union trained Boilermakers to meet the demand of the booming construction business. With plenty of work to go around, especially in the power plant sector, the ... |
Marketplace Favors Nonresidential ConstructionNonresidential construction continues to see growth according to the Federal Reserve. Despite a decline in residential construction, work in industries such as health care, education and public works is on the rise. With many project backlogs at high levels, contractors are anticipating that ... |
Thriving OSHA Challenge Program Continues its SuccessOn November 8th, 2006 The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC), met with Occupational Safety and Health Administration Voluntary Protection Program (OSHA VPP) personnel and fellow OSHA Challenge Program administrators, at the Department of Labor. Over the course of an entire day, the group ... |
ACCSH Unanimously Votes to Support Proposed Cranes and Derricks StandardOccupational Safety and Health Administration Advisory Committee on Construction Safety and Health (ACCSH) recently voted to support a draft proposal from OSHA on a new Cranes & Derricks Standard. ACCSH encouraged OSHA to ?move forward with deliberate speed to issue the Standard?. The Crane and ... |
Workplace Safety is Key Issue for Joining UnionsA recent poll released by the Employment Law Alliance finds that the leading factor for a worker?s decision to join a union is workplace safety. While factors like better benefits, higher wages and increased job security were all important, 64 percent of respondents cited safety as the top reason ... |
Protect Against Heat IllnessThe heat wave that has blistered the United States over the past two weeks reminds us to remind you to take necessary precautions. Of course, construction is outdoor work, generally with demanding production goals. Even on the hottest days, the work must go on. Nevertheless, when high temperature ... |
Union Jobs Almost 17% More ProductiveIn a presentation by Mr. Dean Findley, Regional Director of the firm Independent Project Analysis (IPA), given at the Construction Users Round Table?s Annual Conference in Tucson, Arizona, it was determined that Union Jobs are almost 17% more productive than Non-Union Jobs. Since 1992, Mr. Findley ... |
