The Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Construction and Facilities Management (CFM) is conducting a series of surveys regarding the use of project labor agreement (PLAs) on various projects.  CFM is asking contractors to respond to the questionnaire for certain projects in Houston, Texas, Palo Alto, Calif., and San Juan, Puerto Rico, by June 4.  AGC encourages interested contractors to complete the survey and provide CFM with a clear idea of the impact that a government-mandated PLA would have on the construction of federal projects.

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On Friday, May 21, 2010, the Wage and Hour Division (WHD) of the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) held a Stakeholder Forum to discuss some of the issues and regulations that fall under their purview.  AGC attended the event and participated in sessions that addressed topics with a potential effect on the construction industry.  The Wage and Hour Division is using the theme of "Plan, Prevent, and Protect" to become a more effective enforcement agency.  Success will be measured by baseline investigations in industries where they believe violations are most likely to occur.  Construction is listed as one of the top industries on which they will focus.   A WHD official expressed that while there are no numerical targets for enforcement, results will be measured on an ongoing basis.

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The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) Office of Labor-Management Standards on May 20 issued a final rule implementing Executive Order 13496, which requires federal contracting agencies to include in most contracts a new clause requiring contractors and subcontractors to post notices informing employees about their rights under the National Labor Relations Act ("NLRA").  The rule, which takes effect on June 21, establishes the content of the notice, clarifies flow-down requirements, and sets forth penalties and procedures for noncompliance. It applies only to contracts directly with the federal government and related subcontracts, not to federally assisted contracts made with other nonfederal government entities.

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