Construction employment fell in 288 of the nation’s largest 311 metro areas from April 2008 to April 2009, according to a new analysis of government data conducted by the Associated General Contractors of America’s chief economist Ken Simonson. The data highlights the critical need for the federal government to move quickly to invest stimulus funds without needless requirements that could hamper recovery efforts, he noted. “Job loss figures like these are exactly what prompted Congress and the Administration to craft a stimulus package designed to get Americans back to work as quickly as possible,” said Simonson. “Putting these funds to … Read more
Dickies Celebrates Everyday Heros with ‘American Worker of the Year’ Search
New survey confirms American workers are hardworking, yet underappreciated Fort Worth, TX — A new study shows the economic climate has affected people's faith in hard work and belief in the American dream. To help restore that faith and pride, Dickies, the leading global workwear brand, is honoring hard working individuals by searching for the American Worker of the Year. The 17th annual American Worker of the Year contest seeks out committed, hard working people who take leadership and responsibility seriously and go the extra mile to get the job done. Workers can enter the contest by submitting a photo … Read more
Unions and Management Agree to Major Construction Cost Reductions at Twelve Large Development Sites in New York City
Historic Economic Recovery Project Labor Agreement is Expected to Stimulate 10,000 Jobs and over $2 Billion in Construction Activity New York — Under a historic compact that will deliver significant cost reductions at major construction sites across the city, New York City’s construction unions and their management counterparts have agreed to reduce building costs by an average of 16-21 percent at a dozen, previously delayed or stalled development projects. “The Economic Recovery Project Labor Agreement” (PLA) will stimulate over $2 billion in construction activity, creating or saving 10,000 jobs. In addition to the twelve projects where the PLA has been … Read more
GBCI Begins Testing for New LEED Credentials
Registered Candidates Can Test for New LEED Green Associate and LEED AP Operations + Maintenance Credentials Washtington, DC — May 29 – The Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI) this week began testing candidates who wish to pursue the new LEED Green Associate credential or the new LEED Accredited Professional (AP) Operations and Maintenance (O+M) credential. The LEED Green Associate credential is intended for individuals seeking to propel their professional journey into the green building industry. It represents the demonstrable knowledge and skills needed in the allied professions and non-technical fields of practice related to green design, construction and operations. … Read more
U.S. Labor Department’s OSHA Strengthens Integrity of Outreach Training Program
Washington, D.C. – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), in an effort to crack down on fraudulent trainers, is strengthening the integrity of its 36-year-old Outreach Training Program by improving how trainers become authorized to teach and ensuring these trainers are in compliance with OSHA program guidelines. This voluntary program has grown to a national network of more than 16,000 independent trainers eligible to teach workers and employers about workplace hazards and to provide OSHA 10-hour course completion cards. However, some trainers have fraudulently not provided the appropriate training in accordance with the program. “The … Read more