Updates to the American Arbitration Association's (AAA®) Construction Industry Arbitration Rules and Mediation Procedures streamline processes and embrace technological advances in resolving construction disputes. Construction has a long history of embracing arbitration. ConsensusDocs standard contract documents default to the current AAA rules and administration when arbitration is chosen. Learn more about how you can maximize the advantages of alternative dispute resolution processes by attending this ConsensensusDocs three-part webinar series on Alternative Dispute Resolution that covers Mediation, Arbitration, and Dispute Review Boards.

Construction, an early adopter of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) procedures, has a long-standing success story of utilizing ADR processes instead of costly and time-consuming litigation. ConsensusDocs is offering three separate but related webinars, each led by industry experts, to delve specifically into mediation, arbitration, and dispute review boards (DRBs). By attending these webinars, construction practitioners, as parties to disputes, can make informed decisions to utilize ADR for maximum time and cost savings. Additionally, the ADR webinars will provide insights from experienced mediators, arbitrators, and DRB members on dispute resolution. Importantly, you'll also gain insights on how to potentially bridge the gap and communicate effectively with opposing parties to resolve disputes.

On April 26, AGC of America, and other business groups, jointly filed a friend-of-the-court amicus brief urging a Texas federal district court to declare unlawful a significant U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) final rule (2024) revising the standards for analyzing who is an employee or independent contractor under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). This final rule took effect March 11, 2024, and rescinded the Trump administration final rule (2021), replacing it with a more complex analysis for determining employee or independent contractor status.

In this episode of AGC’s ConstructorCast, we delve into the intricacies of the association’s litigation program, which serves as a crucial component of its broader advocacy efforts. We explore how AGC strategically engages in judicial matters to safeguard and improve the business environment for construction contractors, aligning with its overarching goal of advancing industry interests and protecting against disruption.

As we continue to raise awareness and encourage open discussion about mental health in the construction industry, AGC is pleased to offer two, FREE educational webinars in partnership with Youturn Health.

AGC hosts virtual member orientations on a quarterly basis to provide an overview of the member benefits, resources, and opportunities available from AGC of America. Whether your company has just joined, or has been a member for years, this informative session will help ensure that you are maximizing your membership. Register today to learn more about how AGC can help you and your colleagues grow your business and your career.

On April 18, the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) issued its final rule reducing exposure levels to respirable crystalline silica for all mines in the U.S. and is applicable to the contractors who work in these mines. MSHA jurisdiction is broad and includes construction work, and its rule is vastly different from the OSHA counterpart. While the same 50 ug/m3 PEL is adopted, there is no Table 1 to rely upon, no worker rotation, and compliance with the OSHA rule is not a defense to an MSHA citation of up to $324,000.

With almost every state authorizing the recreational and/or medical use of marijuana or cannabidiol (CBD), employers nationwide face a maze of legal changes.