The U.S. Senate recently joined the House in voting against the so-called “blacklisting rule.”
The Department of Labor’s Fair Pay and Safe Workplaces Act, the rule’s formal name, would require contractors bidding on federal construction projects over $500,000 to submit their history of labor compliance to the department for review. Unions and labor groups backed the Obama-era regulation, while industry trade groups lined up against it. The Senate vote effectively kills the measure.
The Associated General Contractors of America and the Associated Builders and Contractors objected on the grounds that the rule violated their members’ First Amendment rights by requiring them to disclose compliance information. They also said the rule would add implementation costs, making it difficult for smaller contractors to compete on federal projects.
Supporters of the regulation said it would improve accountability for the spending of tax dollars as well as job site safety.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Nov 26, 2019
Updated ASHRAE standards focused on ventilation design, air quality in residential applications
Standard 62.1 and 62.2 updates provide new tables of ventilation rates per unit area.
Codes and Standards | Nov 25, 2019
Real estate professionals say coworking is not a flash in the pan
More than 60% say coworking space is in their portfolios.
Codes and Standards | Nov 22, 2019
Utility’s proposal threatens California’s rooftop solar mandate
Would allow customers to use solar farms instead of installing their own PVs.
Codes and Standards | Nov 21, 2019
Number of LEED commercial building projects surpasses 100,000
More than 2.6 million sf of space being certified each day.
Codes and Standards | Nov 19, 2019
Most U.S. voters support licensing standards for architects
NCARB survey shows strong support for architecture as a licensed profession.
Codes and Standards | Nov 18, 2019
Cambridge, Mass., teams up with utility on energy retrofit program
Buildings large than 25,000 sf targeted in initiative to further carbon neutrality goal.
Codes and Standards | Nov 14, 2019
Resistance to Toronto’s ‘smart city’ reveals pitfalls of such ambitious projects
Concerns over data privacy, governance, feasibility prompt criticism.
Codes and Standards | Nov 13, 2019
Heat pumps, strategic energy management could be next major focuses for efficiency
After lighting, efficiency experts look to new opportunities to boost energy efficiency.
Codes and Standards | Nov 12, 2019
National Infrastructure Performance Council to address ‘national security crisis’
Coalition wants to double annual level of infrastructure investment.
Codes and Standards | Nov 11, 2019
Major cities are adopting new building performance standards
Initiatives can include multiple standards.