Tell Congress to Oppose the PRO Act
The Protecting Right to Organize (PRO) Act, the radical labor bill that would completely rewrite our nation’s labor laws, was recently reintroduced in both the House and Senate. The PRO Act is an all-out assault on the merit shop business model which would, among other things, limit access to labor counsel, implement ‘Card Check,’ and eliminate Right-to-Work protections. The House may take up the extreme proposal as early as next month. Act Now! Tell Congress to oppose the PRO Act.
House Passes Apprenticeship Bill; Apprenticeship E.O. Issued
Earlier this month, the House of Representatives passed the National Apprenticeship Act of 2021 by a vote of 247 – 173. While the bill does increase funding, IEC opposed it due to language in the bill that limited merit shop access to a new grant program and allows unions to evade the Department of Labor’s journeyworker ratio requirements. Meanwhile, President Biden recently signed an executive order on apprenticeship that revokes the industry recognized apprenticeship program (IRAP), in which construction was not included. It also reestablishes the National Advisory Committee on Apprenticeships, and though IEC was a member during the Obama administration, it was dominated by unions and served to give cover to pro-union policies.
Tax Credit Reminder for COVID-19 Leave
With tax season upon us, IEC wanted to remind members of the tax credits available under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) for paid sick and family leave through March 31, 2021. The mandate to provide FFCRA leave ended in December, but an employer can voluntarily provide FFCRA leave through March. More information on the tax credits can be found here and an overview on the relevant parts of the FFCRA and Paycheck Protection Program can be found here.
OSHA Holds Listening Session on COVID-19 Standard
IEC participated in a Listening Session with OSHA earlier this month regarding a possible COVID-19 emergency temporary standard. During the call, representatives from the construction industry expressed the need for a comment period in advance of any standard. In addition, the Construction Industry Safety Coalition (CISC) sent aletter documenting proactive steps it’s taken during the pandemic and requesting a meeting to discuss a possible standard.
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