The Associated Builders and Contractors of Pennsylvania (ABC Pennsylvania) lauded passage of House Bill 2400, introduced by Speaker Mike Turzai (R-Allegheny) and 103 co-sponsors, which would activate public and private construction projects that have been shut down if they can adhere to COVID-19 health and safety guidelines.
(HARRISBURG, PA.) During these unprecedented times, the wellbeing of our workforce and residents is – and always will be – paramount. The Associated Builders and Contractors of Pennsylvania (ABC Pennsylvania) stands by and supports our government leaders in protecting the health and safety of all Pennsylvanians during this time of emergency.
There is no doubt the Coronavirus (“COVID-19”) pandemic has disrupted and impacted our daily lives and measures are needed to limit the spread. The construction industry has been doing our part in sharing information, resources, and best practices. Many of our members are the supply chain for the very ‘life-sustaining businesses’ that are required to remain open.
Today, ABC PA testified before the House Labor & Industry Committee in support of advancing workforce development and ending discrimination within apprentice ratios for merit shop (non-joint) programs. Pennsylvania’s regulations say non-joint programs are required to have four journeypersons employed per apprentice, after the first apprentice is hired. For example, a business needs to have 20 journeypersons employed if they want to hire just five apprentices.
ABC PA is concerned by a September press release from the Attorney General’s Office publicizing their full investigation of alleged prevailing wage violations. Of concern, we are unaware of any precedent or instance where the Attorney General launched investigations on these matters. The regulations clearly state it is the duty of the Secretary of the Department of Labor & Industry to investigate prevailing wage complaints, hold hearings, and determine if a violation occurred. Subchapter E. Prevailing Regulations § 9.111(a).
(HARRISBURG, PA.) Today, the Associated Builders & Contractors (ABC) of Pennsylvania applauded the efforts of Lebanon County Commissioners Robert Phillips and Bill Ames for their vote to prohibit the use of project labor agreements (PLAs) on public works projects in the county. The ordinance makes Lebanon County the third county in the Commonwealth to prohibit the use of discriminatory PLAs.