LABOR NEWS

2/7/2012

 

Transportation Reauthorization Moves Forward;

Sign AGC’s Petition in Support of Congressional Action

Last week, the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee completed its review of the proposed  American Infrastructure and Infrastructure Act of 2012 highway and surface transportation reauthorization bill (HR 7) after marathon 18 hour markup session.  During that session, 100 amendments were considered and 33 adopted, including veteran’s preference in hiring and expansion of Buy America requirements. Most votes on amendments and on reporting the bill were highly partisan. The bill has also been through the House Ways and Means Committee where the decision was made to fund the Highway portion with all revenue from the gas tax, which would take away about $40 billion from the Mass Transit Account. There is no indication of where the Mass Transit Account funding will come from, but as the bill moves forward towards a vote, AGC will continue to monitor the progress, and push for a comprehensive, well-funded bill. The Senate is meeting to discuss their version of the bill this week.  AGC is meeting with key staffers to ensure its passage. Please join AGC’s campaign to Make Transportation JOB #1, and help continue to build momentum for passage of a reauthorization bill. Take Action Today! Click here to sign the petition!

 

Corbett Embraces "Lasting" Transportation Solution in Budget

Press Release 2/7/12 Source: Keystone Transportation Funding Coalition 

 

The Keystone Transportation Funding Coalition, today, commended Governor Corbett for embracing a comprehensive transportation funding plan during his budget speech, as one of his administration's top priorities. The Coalition was encouraged by the Governor's insistence that the solution must be a lasting one. His comments were in line with the recommendations of his Transportation Funding Advisory Commission, which would put transportation funding on track for a comprehensive, lasting solution.

 

 In his address Corbett stated, "... it is also critical that we address our transportation issues. This is not a budget item. It is too large for that. Transportation must be confronted as its own distinct and separate topic. This problem has grown for the past several decades and it will not be solved overnight. But, whatever solution we enact must be a lasting one."  "I have spent significant time considering this issue with my transportation team and developed some workable solutions. However, those solutions will only be possible with your input, assistance, and support. I look forward to working with you."  

 

While the Coalition would have liked to see the governor lay out more details of his plans, the prioritization of transportation funding is encouraging. In the ensuing days and weeks, information will be forthcoming on the progress of the issue in the General Assembly.  

 

View the full press release here: http://www.paconstructors.org/01NEWSARTICLES/2012/020712_1.asp

1/24/12

 

Leadership Agreement Allows FAA Authorization to Move Forward

 

An agreement between House Speaker John Boehner and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid over a 2010 National Mediation Board (NMB) rule that changed procedures for airline and rail workers' union elections has opened the way for final agreement on long term Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reauthorization legislation. With the latest extension of FAA authorization set to expire on January 31, the House and Senate are expected to approve the 23rd extension until February 29 to allow time for the House and Senate to pass a final compromise bill. There are numerous other differences in the House and Senate passed versions of the bills but it is anticipated that these can be resolved quickly now that the major sticking point has been resolved.

 

Issues of concern to the construction industry in the two versions of the bill are as follows:

 

• Length - The Senate bill is a two-year extension while the House bill extends authorization for four years.

•  AIP funding - The House bill averages about $3 billion a year for AIP; the Senate's bill has about $4 billion annually. AIP's 2012 appropriation is $3.35 billion.

• Passenger Facility Charge- Both the House and Senate bills keep the passenger facility charge cap at $4.50.

 

Get involved with Make Transportation Job #1

 

Less than three months remain until the expiration of the latest highway and transit authorization extension, and AGC has kicked off a comprehensive grassroots and communications campaign asking Congress to take action on a reauthorization bill before March 31. The campaign, called Make Transportation Job #1, will continue to build momentum for passage of a reauthorization bill. The time to engage your member of Congress is now. Both the House and Senate are in position to move their respective bills, but they need to be encouraged to ACT NOW. AGC has worked hard to get the reauthorization bill to this point and we need to push to ensure members of Congress hear from their constituents of the need to Make Transportation JOB #1 and pass a highway and transit reauthorization bill. To get involved got to: http://www.agc.org/cs/surface_transportation_reauthorization

 

OSHA publishes Injury and Illness Prevention Programs White Paper

 

OSHA has published a new Injury and Illness Prevention Programs White Paper on the agency's Web site. An injury and illness prevention program is a proactive process to help employers find and fix workplace hazards before workers are hurt. These programs are effective at reducing injuries, illnesses, and fatalities. Many workplaces have already adopted such approaches, for example as part of OSHA's cooperative programs. Not only do these employers experience dramatic decreases in workplace injuries, but they often report a transformed workplace culture that can lead to higher productivity and quality, reduced turnover, reduced costs, and greater employee satisfaction. For more information go to: http://www.osha.gov/as/opa/quicktakes/qt01152012.html#1

 

1/16/12

 

 “Ban the Box” Legislation Now in Effect

 

On January 13, 2012 The Fair Criminal Record Screening Standards Ordinance, known as ‘Ban the Box’ went into effect. The Ordinance prohibits employers from requiring job applicants to disclose their criminal backgrounds until after their first interview. Mayor Michael A. Nutter signed this legislation in April.  The Ordinance prohibits City agencies and private employers from knowingly inquiring about criminal background and arrests on the application for a position. Following an initial interview with the prospective employee, the employer may perform a background check.  For more information and a list of the key provisions of the Ordinance go to: http://cityofphiladelphia.wordpress.com/2012/01/13/ban-the-box-ordinance-goes-into-effect

To view the context of Bill No. 110111, click the following link. http://legislation.phila.gov/attachments/11273.pdf