The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Development (DCED) awarded more than $18 million in grant funding to 36 recipients through the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program. Recipients include contractor groups such as the Associated Builders and Contractors, colleges and universities, and non-profits dedicated to providing skills-building training that prepares individuals to enter full apprenticeship programs then enter the building and construction trades.
Percentage of Construction Industry Workers in a Union Continues to Decline
According to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis, the percentage of construction workers who belong to a union dropped to a record low of 10.7 percent in 2023. This is the latest in a generational shift. Over the past 50 years, the percentage of unionized workers has decreased from 39.5 percent to the new low. Non-union construction employers should still be aware of unions and related labor law issues. We provide a few reasons here.
Construction Industry Workplace Law Update – Spring 2024
Percentage of Construction Industry Workers in a Union Continues to Decline
New Alabama Law Limits Public Employers’ DEI Efforts
The Alabama Legislature has enacted 2024 Ala. Act 34, limiting the diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts of state agencies, public universities, and public boards of education. The new law goes into effect Oct. 1, 2024. Although the new law does not apply to private sector employers, employers should track pending DEI-related legislation in Alabama and other states in which they have employees.
Maine Governor Vetoes Restrictions on Non-Competition Agreements
Maine Governor Janet Mills has vetoed legislation that would have severely restricted the contexts in which Maine employers could use and enforce non-compete agreements.
Jackson Lewis Elevates Michael A. Griffin to Seattle Office Managing Principal
Arcelia Magaña Co-Authors “Opinion: There are not enough Latino lawyers or judges in San Diego. We created this program to change that.”
Exploring Trends in Construction: AI Technology, Accessibility, Mental Health, Diversity
The largest construction show in New York, the 2024 New York Build Expo, attracted architects, designers, contractors, and construction professionals from across the tri-state area. The event explored trends in the industry, including the prevalence of rapidly developing AI, ensuring building accessibility for individuals with a disability, mental health concerns for employers to actively address, and fostering diversity amongst the industry group.
Happy National Employee Benefits Day 2024!
To all those who work in the employee benefits arena, whether in legal, finance, benefits administration, payroll, tax, human resources, or many other disciplines, this is our annual reminder to celebrate the valuable and important work done for employees, beneficiaries, and Plan Sponsors alike.
This year, we focus on the
CPPA Issues First “Enforcement Advisory” for CCPA – Data Minimization
The California Privacy Protection Agency (CPPA) issued its first enforcement advisory concerning the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA). In Enforcement Advisory No. 2024-01, the CPPA tackles a foundational principle – data minimization. Much of the attention surrounding the CCPA seems to focus on website privacy policies, notices at collection, and
Cal/OSHA Publishes FAQs for New Workplace Violence Prevention Law
Last year, California’s Governor signed Senate Bill (SB) 553, which requires most employers to establish, implement, and maintain an effective Workplace Violence Prevention Plan (WVPP). The law is enforceable on July 1, 2024. Cal/OSHA is responsible for enforcing the requirements of SB 553, now codified in California Labor Code Section 6401.9.
Recently,
Instructions for Burma TPS Extensions, Redesignations Released
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has published instructions on how to apply for the extended and redesignated Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Burma (Myanmar).
On March 25, 2024, DHS extended and redesignated TPS for Burma until Nov. 25, 2025.
Applications for re-registration and employment authorization document (EAD) renewals
California Supreme Court Issues Opinion on “Hours Worked”
In its recent opinion in Huerta v. CSI Electrical Contractors, the California Supreme Court addressed three inquiries posed by the 9th Circuit. These inquiries specifically relate to the definition of “hours worked” within the context of the California wage order applicable to the construction, drilling, logging, and mining industries, as
Shaping Restrictive Covenants in Retail: Insights From Labor Board Guidance
In the evolving retail landscape, where competition is fierce and intellectual property is paramount, the use of restrictive covenants has long been a cornerstone for protecting proprietary information and safeguarding competitive advantages.
New California Law Hikes Worker Pay in Fast Casual Restaurants
Effective April 1, 2024, a new California law will require employers in the state’s fast casual restaurant industry to pay covered non-exempt employees a minimum wage of $20 an hour.