Industry Leaders Discuss Regulations, Economy at TAUC State of the Union

December 11, 2008 – More than 120 construction industry leaders from 22 states, gathered for the The Association of Union Constructors’ (TAUC) State of the Union Construction Industry 2008 on Dec. 3 in Washington, D.C.

"Significant national economic challenges and industry hurdles promise to test our resilience next year," TAUC CEO Steve Lindauer said. "TAUC's State of the Union gives union contractors the tools they need to weather the coming economic storm together."

Government regulation, safety standards, effects of the economy on the industry and resolving intra-industry conflict were topics discussed openly among industrial owners, union contractors and labor representatives, reflecting a tripartite determination to enhance and advance union construction.

Noah Connell, acting director of OSHA’s construction directorate, explained the agency’s proposed crane and derricks rule, which is currently open for public comment. Randy DeFrehn, executive director of the National Coordinating Committee for Multiemployer Plans, advised contractors on the effects of the current national economy on pension plans.

William Margaretta, president of the New Jersey State Safety Council, explained how the true cost of accidents often far exceeds internal estimates, because there are a number of cost factors that are often overlooked. John McNerney, director of government relations for the Mechanical Contractors Association of America, presented a legislative affairs update to TAUC members.

The Association of Union Constructors, Arlington, Va., is a national trade association representing the union construction industry. TAUC consists of more than 2,500 union contractors, local union contractor associations and vendors in the industrial maintenance and construction field.