Don’t Miss the Jan. 31 Early-Bird Deadline for AGC’s Annual Convention - March 5-9 in Palm Springs, CA

The AGC Annual Convention and Constructor Expo - March 6-9, 2013, in Palm Springs, Calif. - is the ideal opportunity to see what AGC can do for you and your business, as well as to learn from industry peers and experts on how they are overcoming today’s challenges.  Don’t miss out on the opportunity to build your connections, grow your business, and get involved.  Register now before the early-bird registration discount ends on January 31.  The schedule includes a number of sessions addressing labor and employment topics such as those described below.  Visit http://convention.agc.org to find out about the many other sessions and events drawing you to Palm Springs! Open Shop Contractors to Hear Legal Update & Hold Roundtable AGC’s Open Shop Committee will meet on Tuesday, March 5, 3:00-4:30 p.m.  The tentative agenda will include an update on the latest (often labor-friendly) developments coming out of the National Labor Relations Board, Department of Labor, and other government agencies affecting employers in the construction industry.  It will also feature a roundtable discussion of the current labor-related activities of concern to open shop contractors around the country. Terry O’Sullivan Delivers State of the (Laborers) Union Address [[{"type":"media","view_mode":"media_large","fid":"4570","attributes":{"class":"media-image wp-image-15481","typeof":"foaf:Image","style":"","width":"69","height":"69","alt":""}}]] The Laborers’ International Union of North America touts itself as “the most progressive, aggressive and fastest-growing union of construction workers.”  On Wednesday, March 6, at 1:45 p.m., Laborers’ General President Terry O’Sullivan will speak at a Convention session sponsored by AGC’s Union Contractors Committee.  O’Sullivan – who is known as a candid, fiery speaker and as an innovator among the newest generation of labor leaders – will share his perspectives on the state of construction labor relations today and on his union’s current initiatives.  The session is open to all Convention registrants and will be of interest to both union and open shop contractors alike. Tomorrow’s Skilled Workforce Needs – Bridging the Gaps High levels of unemployment through the recession have masked how the industry’s changing demands could lead to significant skilled worker shortages.  In order to remain competitive in the marketplace, contractors will need a workforce with new skills, but they may be ones that help attract a younger generation to the industry. On Thursday, March 7, from 9:45 a.m. to 11:15 a.m., Harry Bernstein of McGraw-Hill Construction (MHC) and Eddie Clayton of Southern Company will talk about these issues.  Sharing key contractor findings from MHC’s Construction Industry Workforce Shortages: Role of Certification, Training and Green Jobs in Filling the Gap SmartMarket Report, they will unlock and break down the results of their study that include details on specific shortage areas, skill gaps, green job skills and opportunity, and the role of training and professional certifications in helping firms remain competitive.  MHC will also share relevant key data from its 2012 research on BIM, green building and other key trends to provide a futurist look at how the industry is transforming – and transforming its workforce needs along with it. What Every Contractor Needs to Know about the New Health Care System On Thursday, March 7, at 11:30 a.m., the Convention will feature a special session on the Affordable Care Act and the decisions it will require contractors to make.  Which contractors will have to “pay or play”?  What is a “Grandfathered Health Care Plan,” and why does it matter whether a plan falls into that category?  How does the new law apply to collectively bargained plans, including multiemployer plans?  Will contractors still have the option of offering different coverage to their office and field staff?  What are these new “Exchanges” and how will they work?  Can a contractor set up its own Exchange?  Come and learn the answers to these questions and to hear about the guidance that the federal government is finally starting to provide.

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