The National Utility Contractors Association (NUCA) represents contractors, manufacturers, distributors and associates representing hundreds of thousands of employees who build and maintain a wide range of underground facilities and transportation infrastructure.
As we're faced with this national emergency, any legislation should prioritize combatting the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) threat while focusing on the immediate threat to personal safety and well-being of workers across the country.
As written, HR 6201 requires businesses with 500 and fewer employees to provide more than 10 weeks of paid leave, presume liquidity and a tolerance for debt that simply does not exist in the construction industry. This mandate will restrict health benefits, and as a result, shut down small businesses.
We urge you to consider the severe impact that small and midsize businesses are facing during this global pandemic and enact policies that will support our businesses and economy through this crisis.
