labor Archive

Easy Steps to Improve your Daily Reports

Almost all contractors fill out daily reports, but few do it well. Too often they are simply a notation of weather and manpower, rather than a true barometer of project progress and impacts. Frequently there are no delays or problems identified as many supervisors writing the reports are more focused on “running the work” than […]

Ten Things to Remember During a Time of Growth

The construction industry is blessed with solid growth but challenged by a labor shortage. Those who remember these simple principles will do well. 1. Now is the time to demand Fair Contract language and secure it. If not now, when? It is much easier in good times to insist upon equitable contract terms. 2. Condition […]

Federal Arbitration Act Trumps Class Actions: Arbitration Agreements Mean What They Say

The U.S. Supreme Court in a 5-4 Decision authored by Justice Gorsuch recently found in favor of employer (not employee) rights when enforcing arbitration agreements. The Supreme Court ruled that employees could not ignore individual arbitration agreements and band together to challenge wage and hour or other labor law violations. The Court pointed out that […]

Much Hope for Construction Laborers, But Profit Margins Lag Behind

Things look hopeful for construction laborers working or seeking work in the United States, while employers struggle with profit margins that are lagging behind. The Engineering News-Report recently published an insightful review of today’s construction labor market. Among the many positive statistics for construction laborers were one of the lowest jobless rates in years, and […]