Legislative Blog

Democrats Reintroduce PRO Act: Last week, Senators Murray (D-WA) and Schumer (D-NY) and Representative Scott (D-VA) reintroduced the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act. The members released the text of the bill, a section-by-section analysis, and a fact sheet. The bill now has 198 cosponsors in the House (H.R. 842), including two Republicans – Smith (NJ-4) and Fitzpatrick (PA-1). This bill includes dozens of radical provisions drastically altering federal labor law and will devastate the economy during an already difficult time. 
 
ABC is working to oppose the bill including solidifying the bill’s opposition in the Senate where the bill is currently subject to the 60-vote threshold and educating new House and Senate members about the dangers this legislation would pose to the construction industry, especially as we seek to maintain businesses and recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. ABC urges members to reach out to their US Senators, Representatives and President Biden through the ABC Action Alert opposing the PRO Act.

ABC’s news release on the PRO Act can be viewed here and the ABC-led Coalition for a Democratic Workplace’s statement on the bill can be viewed here.

The Montgomery County Resolution to require facial coverings for all “essential employees” has been withdrawn and replaced by a more narrow requirement that applies only to grocery stores, pharmacies and large retailers (WalMart). Download Directive.

This resolution will require essential business employees and customers to wear a face mask/covering while in an essential business. Beginning April 16th, employers must either provide employees with face coverings or instructions on how to make the face coverings. 

Maryland's Governor Hogan issued a series of executive orders on April 5, 2020, that granted greater authority to local health departments to safeguard construction workers, including the ability to close an “unsafe facility.” more > 

Download FREE CDC Coronoavirus jobsite posters more >

Access ABC National Safety Resources and Toolbox Talks more >

OSHA Issues Enforcement Policies on Respiratory Protection (April 5): Use of Expired Respirators and Respirator Reuse more >

Virginia residents and ABC members: During the Virginia General Assembly’s 2020 session, legislators in Richmond swiftly advanced a handful of bills that would upend the construction industry. It’s imperative, now more than ever, with the coronavirus pandemic wreaking havoc upon the state’s economy and workforce, that you take action and tell Gov. Northam to veto this harmful legislation.

Let Your Voice Be Heard: https://www.abc.org/Politics-Policy/ABC-Action-App/Action-Center?vvsrc=%2fcampaigns%2f73228%2frespond

March 30, 2020: Earlier today, Governor Hogan issued a Stay At Home Order that is to take effect at 8:00 PM tonight, Monday. This order does NOT change the construction industry's essential business status. Essential employees are still able to commute to essential businesses. (MD Executive Order Interpretive Guide)
 

ABC of Virginia needs your help in defeating anti-merit legislation dealing with Project Labor Agreements (PLAs) and Prevailing Wage.  Let the Governor know this is bad for business, the economy and the workers.  Urge him to veto these bills

https://www.abc.org/Politics-Policy/ABC-Action-App/Action-Center?vvsrc=%2fCampaigns%2f72409%2fRespond