1Q Lunch & Learn

ABC welcomed John Barrios, Nick D’Andrea, and Theresa Meyer from the City of Tampa Construction Services Division to speak at our 1st Quarter Lunch & Learn. The event was attended by over 120 people from the commercial construction industry.
Check out the presentation:
“The New Construction Services Division: Blueprint of the Future”.
See more pictures in our Photo Gallery.

National Legislative Issues

Secret Ballot Protection- ABC believes in protecting an employee’s right to a secret ballot election when determining whether or not they choose to be represented by a union.
Immigration-ABC and its member companies face shortages of craft professionals and legal laborers who have extreme difficulty in becoming citizens or obtaining the necessary work permits. While the construction industry has greatly benefited from the extended period of economic growth in the United States, the demand for new hire employees has significantly exceeded the supply. ABC is working to improve these conditions for the benefit of our members and the industry. ABC believes that security can best succeed where individuals are truly identifiable. ABC supports the establishment of a temporary guest-worker program that would allow for non-U.S. citizens to apply for the right to work legally in this country for multi-year renewable terms. However, ABC is strongly opposed to any policy that shifts the burden of policing citizenship documentation, such as Social Security cards and drivers’ licenses, to employers.
Davis-Bacon Expansion-The Davis-Bacon Act is a Depression-era wage subsidy law enacted in 1931. Its time has run out. In the 21st Century, especially in the new competitive global economy, it is essential to allow the fee market system determine wages. ABC strongly supports legislation and regulatory efforts designed to limit the negative affects of the Davis-Bacon Act. ABC will continue to be vigilant, working to prevent any expansion of the Davis-Bacon Act on future legislation.
Project Labor Agreements- ABC strongly opposes union-only project labor agreements (PLAs) on construction projects. These agreements not only exclude open shop contractors from bidding on projects paid for by their own tax dollars, but also drive up the cost of construction by reducing competition for the work.

For more information on this issue and to take action, please visit the ABC National Government Affairs and the Coalition for a Democratic Workplace websites.

Bill Threatens Right to Private Workplace Elections

The House Education and Labor Committee Feb. 14 voted 26-19 in favor of the “Employee Free Choice Act” (H.R. 800), a measure introduced this month by Rep. George Miller (D-Calif.) that would eliminate the workplace right of employees to a private election when deciding whether to join a union. more

John Hromalik Heads To Nashville

Congratulations to John Hromalik! John, a fourth year apprentice with APG Electric, took first place in the Electrical Skills Competition. John is heading to the ABC National Convention, in Nashville, to compete at the national level. Good luck, John! ABC would also like to thank all of this year's competitors.

Chapter Apprenticeship Skills Competition

The Florida Gulf Coast Chapter recently held its Apprenticeship Skills Competition. The apprentices competed in both a written and practical examinations to decide who would represent the chapter at the ABC National Convention in Nashville, TN.

Check out the pictures!