There have been a lot of changes in the construction industry over the past few decades. One of the best things to happen has been more and more women working in construction. During the month of March, AGCVA celebrated the many women serving our industry. Working as laborers, engineers, architects, project managers and presidents, women have made the construction industry better. By making our industry more inclusive we design and build better communities. AGCVA thanks the women in construction for enriching our industry and our association. We're continuing to highlight exceptional women in this issue of the newsletter and we encourage each of you to continue recognizing the women who are such an integral part of why our industry continues to move forward, improve, and grow each day.

I came in at the top with an expectation of how things should be and no preconceived notions of “this is just the way things are done.” I came without a box.  This is not true for most people in the industry, especially women.  They are the trailblazers that have made the path.

It’s time for the industry to pave that pathway and make it into a highway...

I felt as if I had to work twice as hard to earn half the respect. A couple of key phrases I remember hearing were, “You’re pretty smart for a female”, and, “You going to be able to handle all that?”, or, “Why are you being so mean? People would like you more if you were nicer.” These were not things I heard spoken to my male counterparts. However, once earning someone's respect, it was something I could rely on. I had proven my mettle...

Throughout the month of March, with your help, we've highlighted some incredible women within our industry.  We've compiled all of your submissions into a short video.  We hope you'll watch and continue to celebrate the contributions women bring to our industry throughout the year.

In this episode, leading women – Lori Dunn-Guion of Swinerton, Maura Hesdon of Shoemaker Construction Co., and Lauline Mitchell of BBI Construction and current NAWIC National VP – share their stories and insights on how to recruit, train and empower women in construction. Listen to find out what attracted them to construction, the skills that have helped them succeed in the industry, and the tools for building a more welcoming, safe, and inclusive workplace.

The historically male-dominated construction industry has made some progress toward diversity and inclusion in recent years, but the number of women in construction remains minuscule. A recent study by BigRentz reports construction industry employment is 10.4% women. While this seems like a low number, it is up from 9% the previous years.

The PRO Act, which also would expand unionization rights, would amend the National Labor Relations Act by classifying workers as employees unless these three criteria are met:

● The individual is free from control and direction in connection with the performance of the service, both under the contract for the performance of service and in fact.
● The service is performed outside the usual course of the business of the employer.
● The individual is customarily engaged in an independently established trade, occupation, profession or business of the same nature as that involved in the service performed.

It's the second prong of that test that could throw a wrench into how contractors do business...

Shortly after being confirmed as secretary of labor on March 22, Marty Walsh highlighted a number of issues that he sees as critical priorities for the American workforce, including making sure workers feel safe on the job, revisiting the need for an emergency temporary standard for COVID-19, putting inspectors out in force on worksites, getting women back to work and rebuilding the middle class through union membership.

Tax season is upon us, and for contractors that borrowed money under the federal government's Paycheck Protection Program last year in order to help their businesses survive the economic hardships presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, there are a few issues worth noting.

The events of 2020 highlighted how many Black women and Latinas are working in low-wage jobs, such as retail, food-service, and lower-level healthcare positions. Such jobs don’t allow workers to build significant savings that provide stability and security in times of social and economic downturns and uncertainty — like the COVID-19 recession.

But there are better options. The skilled construction trades provide opportunities for women to build careers.

The NCCER Board of Trustees approved an investment of more than $4 million in the significant growth of the organization, particularly NCCER’s people, projects and products. With a concentrated effort, the investment will focus on four areas: product development, technology, rigor and strategic partnerships.

According to a press release, the new She Builds grant program will award $25,000 in cash and safety footwear to nonprofits in the United States that provide access to quality trade skill education and networking for girls and women looking to join the trades.

One of the biggest issues for anyone when wearing personal protective gear is ensuring you have the right fit. Oversized PPE can get in the way, reducing productivity and leading to injury risks that, otherwise, would not have been present.

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration has announced the dates for this year’s National Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction. The eighth annual event is slated for May 3-7, and OSHA is encouraging construction employers and stakeholders to join the event to promote awareness and training “to address one of the industry’s most serious dangers."