Construction Materials

US Department of Labor to hold online seminars in September for current, prospective federal contractors on prevailing wage requirements WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor announced today that its Wage and Hour Division will offer the last of its fiscal year 2025 webinars on prevailing wage requirements for contractors, contracting agencies, unions, workers, and other stakeholders involved in federally funded construction and service contracts. As part of its ongoing effort to increase awareness and improve compliance, the division will host two-day online seminars with sessions on the Davis-Bacon and Related Acts, Service Contract Act, and other related topics. Participants can choose between the sessions offered on either of the two days. The webinars are scheduled for Sept. 24-25, and they follow similar webinars that were held in March and June. Learn more about related federal wage regulations and check for updates on the seminars.The...

ICYMI: Secretary Chavez-DeRemer highlights maritime, public safety skills training programs on ‘America at Work’ New England swing VERNON, VT – U.S. Department of Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer this week wrapped up a six-state swing through New England – visiting Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, and Vermont – as part of her nationwide America at Work listening tour. Ahead of Labor Day and the department’s official launch of America’s 250th birthday celebration, the Secretary met with lobstermen, shipbuilders, service members, bankers, firefighters, and dairy farmers to highlight the contributions of skilled workers and the importance of educational pipelines in strengthening local communities and bolstering America’s economic and national security.“President Trump has reclaimed Labor Day by building an economy that puts the American Worker First. Whether they are benefiting from fair trade deals, lower taxes, or the cheapest gas prices since the...

US Department of Labor, MEJA Construction partner to promote safety, health during construction projects in Henry, Clayton counties ATLANTA – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration signed two strategic partnerships with MEJA Construction Inc. to promote safety and health practices during the building of the Henry County school construction project in Stockbridge and the Riverdale Early Learning Center project in Riverdale.                                             These partnerships seek to prevent worker injuries and reduce exposure to hazards using a contractor-government collaborative approach. The initiative will assist contractors in developing and implementing safety and health management systems; training employee...

ICYMI: Secretary Chavez-DeRemer highlights President Trump’s successful first 200 days during ‘America at Work’ tour stops in 4 states WASHINGTON – U.S. Department of Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer last week completed a four-state swing through Idaho, Utah, Wisconsin, and Wyoming, as part of her America at Work listening tour where she met directly with manufacturers, miners, construction workers, business leaders, and local officials to discuss the Trump Administration’s efforts to expand workforce training and connect hardworking Americans with good-paying, in-demand jobs. “In just 200 days, President Trump has jumpstarted the American economy and ushered in a new Golden Age of prosperity by putting workers, families, and job creators back at the center of our economic agenda,” said Secretary Chavez-DeRemer. “That momentum is clear everywhere I go on my ‘America at Work’ listening tour. From celebrating apprentices in Idaho to meeting with construction workers in Wisconsin,...

US Department of Labor, Newark roofing contractor reach settlement agreement affirming $155K penalty for multiple violations NEWARK, NJ – The U.S. Department of Labor and a Newark roofing contractor have reached a settlement agreement resolving litigation stemming from investigations last summer that found the employer repeatedly exposed workers to fall and safety hazards at two worksites. The department’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration initially investigated RRC Home Improvement Inc. in June 2024 at a worksite in Dover, New Jersey after receiving reports of employees working on a roof without fall protection. In July 2024, investigations began at RRC worksites in Lodi as part of the agency’s National Emphasis Program for Falls in Construction. Inspectors again observed employees working without required fall protection. OSHA also uncovered violations involving lack of hard hats, eye protection, and fire extinguishers, as well as non-compliant pu...

US Labor Department cites Georgia counter manufacturer for exposing workers to hazardous levels of crystalline silica ATLANTA – U.S. Department of Labor safety inspectors determined that Brazilian Stone Design LLC, a Powder Springs stone countertop manufacturer, exposed workers to respirable crystalline silica.The department’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration cited the employer, which fabricates and sells kitchen and bathroom countertops, with seven serious citations. The employer will pay $33,000 in penalties.The employer was cited for allegedly exposing workers to high airborne concentrations of respirable crystalline silica and failing to require the use of respirators; perform fit testing and training for workers wearing respirators; conduct air monitoring; and administer an effective hearing conservation program.To help protect workers, OSHA has issued two respirable crystalline silica standards, one for construction and the other for general indus...

Secretary Chavez-DeRemer announces $5M in WANTO grants to expand apprenticeship opportunities, good-paying jobs for women WASHINGTON – U.S. Department of Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer today announced a $5 million funding opportunity for up to 14 grants to attract and retain more American workers in Registered Apprenticeship programs and high-growth industries like manufacturing, construction, and cybersecurity. Administered jointly by the department’s Women’s Bureau and Employment and Training Administration, the Women in Apprenticeship and Nontraditional Occupations grant program supports community-based organizations in their efforts to recruit, train, and retain more women in Registered Apprenticeships and high demand occupations. This announcement follows a thorough evaluation and realignment of the program, which will ensure WANTO grants help the department achieve President Trump’s goal of reaching one million new active apprentices. “Under Pre...

ICYMI: Secretary Chavez-DeRemer promotes One Big Beautiful Bill during ‘America at Work’ tour stops in Michigan, Indiana GOSHEN, IN – U.S. Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer continued her swing across the country as part of her “America at Work” listening tour to promote President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill, which passed the U.S. Senate today in a huge win for the American people. Secretary Chavez-DeRemer visited Shafer, a ready-mix concrete supplier in Lansing, Michigan, and Brinkley RV, a manufacturing start-up in Goshen, Indiana, to hear directly from American workers who stand to benefit most from this legislation. “I continue to be inspired by the American entrepreneurial spirit shown by the hardworking men and women I’ve met on my listening tour,” said Secretary Chavez-DeRemer. “From the concrete crews at Shafer in Michigan to the RV manufacturers at Brinkley in Indiana, these workers are exactly who this Administration is fighting for as we work to pass the One...

US Department of Labor awards nearly $84M in grants to expand Registered Apprenticeships WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced the award of nearly $84 million in grants to 50 states and territories to increase the capacity of Registered Apprenticeship programs, representing an important step toward meeting the Administration’s goal of expanding the program to 1 million active apprentices.Since the beginning of the Trump Administration, over 134,000 new apprentices have registered across the nation. Today’s awards represent the base formula funding and competitive funding to states to increase their ability to serve, improve, and expand Registered Apprenticeship programs. This represents the third round of State Apprenticeship Expansion Formula funding the department has awarded. This investment will further accelerate Registered Apprenticeship programs, incentivize the creation and ongoing success of programs, reduce barriers to entry for new employer...

US Department of Labor awards more than $37M in continued grants to help homeless, at-risk veterans reenter workforce WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced the award of more than $37 million in grants to organizations that help veterans experiencing or at-risk of homelessness find meaningful employment and assist them in overcoming barriers to transition back successfully into the workforce.Administered by the department’s Veterans’ Employment and Training Service, the Homeless Veterans’ Reintegration Program awarded more than $37 million to 98 organizations now in their second or third years in the program. These organizations provide participating veterans with occupational skills, connect them with Registered Apprenticeships or other on-the-job training, and deliver job search and placement services.VETS awards HVRP grants competitively to nonprofit and for-profit organizations, Native American Tribal governments, state and local workforce dev...

Secretary Chavez-DeRemer marks 100 days championing American workers WASHINGTON – U.S. Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer today celebrated 100 days since she was sworn in as the 30th Labor Secretary, marking a key milestone in her efforts to advance President Trump’s America First agenda by quickly delivering on her mission to empower U.S. workers and employers.Since taking office, Secretary Chavez-DeRemer has hit the ground running to support the President’s bold, pro-growth policies that have spurred job creation, cut red tape, and ushered in a new Golden Age of economic opportunity for the American workforce.“From day one, I promised to put American workers first and deliver on President Trump’s commitment to revitalize our workforce,” said Secretary Chavez-DeRemer. “Since then, we’ve jumpstarted a new Golden Age for American workers by creating hundreds of thousands of jobs, cutting burdensome regulations, saving taxpayer dollars, and investing in the skills and training that ...

US Department of Labor, Trade Representative seek review of alleged denial of rights at steel pipe manufacturer in Mexico WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement’s Interagency Labor Committee for Monitoring and Enforcement requested that the government of Mexico review an alleged denial of workers’ rights at Tubos de Acero de Mexico S.A., a manufacturer of seamless steel pipe located in Veracruz, Mexico.The U.S. Department of Labor and U.S. Trade Representative co-chair the Interagency Labor Committee. The request follows a May 14, 2025, petition filed by SINAIN, a Mexican union.Filed under the USMCA’s Rapid Response Mechanism, the petition alleges that the company is systematically denying SINAIN members their right to freedom of association and collective bargaining through acts of anti-union discrimination and interference with union activity.After the Interagency Labor Committee found sufficient and credible evidence supporting the petition’s allega...

Department of Labor recovers $101K in wages, damages for 31 employees of Houston plumbing contractor owed overtime HOUSTON – The U.S. Department of Labor has recovered $101,690 in back wages and damages owed to 31 employees of a Houston plumbing contractor who paid them a salary but failed to pay an overtime premium for hours over 40 in a workweek.Investigators with the department’s Wage and Hour Division determined Amailey Plumbing LLC categorized service technicians and apprentice helpers as salaried employees and did not pay them the correct overtime rate as required by the Fair Labor Standards Act. The division calculated that the contractor owed $50,845 in back overtime wages and an equal amount in damages.“The U.S. Department of Labor is committed to making sure every worker receives their rightfully earned wages,” said Wage and Hour Division District Director Chad Frasier in Houston. “The outcome in this case should remind other employers to evaluate their pa...

US Department of Labor to offer prevailing wage webinars in June for current, prospective federal contractors on prevailing wage requirements WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor announced today that its Wage and Hour Division will offer webinars on prevailing wage requirements in 2025 for contractors, contracting agencies, unions, workers, and other stakeholders involved in federally funded construction and service contracts. Part of its ongoing effort to increase awareness and improve compliance, the division will host two-day online seminars with sessions on the Davis-Bacon and Related Acts, Service Contract Act, and other topics. Participants can choose between the sessions offered on either of the two days. Webinars are scheduled for June 25-26 and Sept. 24-25. Learn more about related federal wage regulations and check for updates on the seminars.These events help educate federal contractors seeking opportunities to employ skilled...

ICYMI: Secretary Chavez-DeRemer highlights skilled workforce training on America at Work tour EDISON, NJ – U.S. Department of Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer continued her America at Work listening tour this week with visits to Long Island, New York, and Edison, New Jersey, where she met with apprentices and observed hands-on training in welding, framing, and acoustical work.“Our nation’s skilled workforce is thriving under President Trump’s leadership, with thousands of new jobs created on Long Island and in New Jersey since he took office,” said Secretary Chavez-DeRemer. “This week, I’ve seen firsthand the impact of investments in top-notch training programs that drive local economic growth. When we invest in skills and opportunity, we empower men and women to build better lives for themselves and their families. I appreciate Congressmen Garbarino, LaLota, and Kean hosting me on my America at Work tour and will continue working with them to Make America Skilled Again.”“Long Isla...

US Department of Labor and Holder Construction celebrate 20 years of safety partnership ATLANTA – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration is celebrating the 20th anniversary of its strategic partnerships with Holder Construction Group LLC – collaborations that have significantly improved worker safety and health. Since 2005, these partnerships have focused on reducing injuries, illnesses, and exposure to hazards, while expanding safety training, and promoting strong safety and health programs. The collaboration with Holder supports OSHA’s long-range efforts to foster cooperative safety management between contractors and the federal government. In addition to its partnership with OSHA, Holder Construction demonstrates a strong commitment to workplace safety by supporting national initiatives like OSHA’s Fall Stand-Down and Safe + Sound campaigns, and actively participating in the Georgia Struck-by Alliance and Stand-Down, whi...

US Department of Labor recovers $594K in back wages, damages for 419 workers denied overtime by Florida construction contractor LEESBURG, FL – The U.S. Department of Labor has recovered $594,313 in back wages and damages for 419 workers after a federal investigation found a Leesburg-based employer failed to pay workers all of their required overtime wages.An investigation by the department’s Wage and Hour Division determined Amtex-NMS Inc., operating as Southeast Modular Manufacturing, violated the Fair Labor Standards Act’s overtime provision by not paying workers time-and-a-half their regular rate for all hours over 40 in a workweek. Specifically, its rounding methods improperly reduced hours that resulted in unpaid overtime for hours worked over 40 per workweek.Investigators also discovered the employer violated federal recordkeeping requirements by failing to maintain complete and accurate records of workers’ wages and hours.“Some employ...

US Department of Labor updates inspection program focusing on workplaces with highest injury, illness rates WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration announced it has updated the inspection program that directs agency enforcement resources to establishments with the highest rates of injuries and illnesses based on injury and illness data submitted in accordance with OSHA’s recordkeeping requirements.The Site-Specific Targeting program is OSHA’s primary planned inspection program for non-construction establishments with 20 or more employees. Using OSHA Form 300A data from calendar years 2021-2023, establishments may be selected for inspection based on:High injury and illness rates from 2023 data.Upwardly trending injury and illness rates based on 2021-2023 data at or above twice the 2022 private sector average.Injury and illness rates markedly below industry averages.Failure to submit an OSHA Form 300A in 2023.The new direct...

Secretary Chavez-DeRemer talks skilled construction jobs, workforce shortages during America at Work visit in Tucson TUCSON, AZ – U.S. Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer joined Rep. Juan Ciscomani in Tucson yesterday to see Pima Community College’s state-of-the-art workforce development programs in action. Pima Community Chancellor Dr. Jeffrey Nasse, Provost Ian Roark, President and CEO of the Chamber of Southern Arizona Joe Snell, and local business leaders joined the Secretary and Rep. Ciscomani to discuss collaborate efforts to build a stronger workforce pipeline. Secretary Chavez-DeRemer and Rep. Ciscomani then joined a roundtable discussion with members of the Arizona Builders Alliance. The conversation focused on workforce shortages in the construction industry and policies that reduce unnecessary red tape to empower workers and businesses.“With strong growth in the construction industry thanks to President Trump’s America First policies, it’s critical the Labor Departme...

Department of Labor to highlight safe construction work practices during 2025 National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration is encouraging construction industry employers and workers, across the nation, to take part in its 12th annual National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction from May 5-9, 2025. This nationwide event spotlights preventing falls, the construction industry’s leading cause of worker deaths. Throughout the week, OSHA urges employers to pause during the workday to conduct “stand-down” activities, including safety demonstrations, hazard recognition and fall prevention training, and “tool-box” talks about hazards. Employers are also encouraged to have discussions about job-specific hazards, like roofing, ladder use, and working on scaffolds. Deputy Secretary of Labor Keith Sonderling will participate in the 2025 Stand-Down and provide remarks during an event at ...