• The program requirements will add costs to construction projects that will be ultimately borne by Austin's renters and owners.  While the developer and contractor will front the costs of the Better Builder program, related expenses (such as for hiring WDP monitors) will eventually be passed along to the building's end user, whether a renter or owner, and add to Austin's already high cost of living.
   
• Better Builder monitors from the Workers Defense cannot be expected to be truly independent. The WDP is an organization established for low-income workers.  As such, WDP monitors can be expected to consistently prejudice - intentionally or not - common worksite disputes in favor of the workforce.
   
• Other options exist besides the Better Builder program.  For example, Capital Metro recently approved a similar, but distinctive, building requirement for the Plaza Saltillo project.  The key difference on that project is that the developer and Cap Metro select an on site monitor, while only the WDP serves as the monitor under the Better Builder program.  

• The program's local hire provision excludes construction workers coming out of many local programs.  By restricting local hiring goals to Department of Labor certified apprentice programs, the Better Builder program excludes workers who graduate from many other local construction education programs, including Goodwill, Austin area high schools, Austin Community College and others.
   
• The WDP Better Builder program is actually part of a new strategy to strengthen organized labor efforts in the construction industry.  In the wake of declining union membership in Texas and nationwide, labor leaders believe that empowering worker associations to represent workers through onsite, worker-led, enforcement of local labor standards is a creative, 21st century strategy to strengthen worker organizing efforts.  This effort to require the Better Builder program in exchange for expedited permits is an example of this strategy in action.  

There are other issues as well, including the concern about one non-profit group advocating for City Council approval of program that, in turn, could directly and uniquely benefit that group alone. 

Council consideration of the Better Builder program in return for expedited permits could occur as early as August.  In the meantime, AGC is working to educate industry and decision-makers about the ramifications of "unexpediting" an expedited building permit, and other concerns. 

For more information, contact Phil Thoden.

On May 19 the Austin City Council extended through August 31 the current, temporary rules for concrete placement at night and early mornings in downtown.  Since that time a coalition of industry partners has been actively engaged with City staff and downtown resident groups to craft compromise solutions that do not unfairly restrict contractors from pouring concrete downtown at night.  In June these stakeholders agreed on several options that are now being reviewed by City staff in preparation for City Council consideration in August. 

For more information, contact Phil Thoden.

 

As Larry prepares for retirement, the Austin AGC is actively seeking candidates for the position of Safety Director.   We would like to have a replacement on board before Larry departs so they can work together for several months to ensure a smooth transition into 2017 and beyond. 

 

 A list of the Safety Director job requirements is available here. Please refer any qualified applicants or questions to Phil Thoden at the Austin AGC.  

 

I hope you will take time at some point in the next 6 months to reach out to Larry and thank him for his service to the industry, your company, and your employees!