COVID-19 Mandate Update
Two recent developments on the COVID-19 vaccination mandates. First, the federal courts dissolved the stay that was holding up the OSHA ETS mandate. This is like a fuse that was laid and lit, was put out, and now is lit again. The OSHA ETS is the mandate that applies to 100 or more employers and requires vaccinations of all staff or optional weekly testing. The mandate will take effect on January 10 and OSHA will begin enforcement February 9. See more here.
Second, the federal government acknowledges a shortage of testing kits and announced a plan to purchase at-home test kits and make those kits available for free upon request. There is a big question how can the government mandate testing when it knows that tests are not readily available. Maybe the supply will increase?
The ruling on the OSHA ETS does not affect the stay on the federal contractor mandate. The federal contractor mandate still is stayed—its fuse is still out.
AGC of Minnesota continues to meet with the trades about the vaccine mandates, including not only those imposed by federal law but also imposed by local laws, owners, or circumstances. We reached a memorandum of understanding with the Operating Engineers that we discussed at our Zoom call last week. Although we hope to meet with the other trades soon, the holidays are interrupting these talks. We will likely have updates at the Construction Summit.
Finally, as you look to review or implement a mandate, we have helpful information including a chart comparing the different mandates and guidance on how to comply with the confidentiality and accommodation requirements in the mandate. |
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Constructability Review Request
MnDOT is asking potential contractors to assist with evaluating construction staging, access concepts, pay item structure, and plan and specification details required to perform the 494 MN River Bridge Repair project. MnDOT requests one-on-one meetings with potential construction contractors to review the proposed concepts and provide feedback. The meetings are expected to last approximately 90 minutes.
The week of January 24, 2022 has been selected as the Department’s desired window for constructability reviews. We are planning to use Microsoft Teams software for virtual meetings. Please contact Greg Asche, Resident Engineer, at 651-775-1168 or greg.asche@state.mn.us to schedule a meeting.
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Every Project Should Use Active Visualization
Visualization is the process of building a model of a project site that can aid in the iterative design process and construction of a project. The technology has been used for decades and can be categorized as passive or active. Learn more
Jeff Christiansen, Visualization Studio Manager, WSB
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Winter Truck Load Increases Begin Tomorrow for North-Central Frost Zone
Winter load increases will begin Thursday, Dec. 23, at 12:01 a.m. on unrestricted state highways in the north-central frost zone.
Start and end dates and other load limit information are shown here. |
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Only 3 Weeks Until the Summit! Are you registered?
The 2022 Minnesota Construction Summit is the industry event of the year, bringing together construction industry professionals for two days of inspiration, education, and networking!
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Summit Attendees Receive Free Contract Review Uploads |
Attendees of the 2022 Minnesota Construction Summit will receive 3 Free Uploads on Document Crunch! (Over $900 value)
Document Crunch simplifies contract review by finding and explaining over 40 provisions in contracts. They also offer a reference sheet for project managers to comply with important provisions. This saves significant time reviewing and complying with contracts, enhances productivity, and reduces risk.
Learn more at the Construction Summit from Document Crunch representatives and enjoy the 3 free uploads for attending!
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Thank You to our Platinum Sponsor!
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Member Benefits: Education and Development
Next in our series of videos highlighting various member benefits is AGC's Education and Leadership Development opportunities, including the Supervisory Training Program (STP), Leadership Blueprint, and Executive Circle.
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DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION (DEI) NEWS |
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Good Faith Effort Educational Opportunities
at the Minnesota Construction Summit
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SHARING BEST PRACTICES TO ENGAGE MWBE CONTRACTORS
This session will cover best practices from a general contractors perspective on how to engage Minority/Women-owned Business Enterprises (MWBE) contractors and the pitfalls to avoid.
Kisha Bausby (JE Dunn Construction)
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"GANG BOX TALK" JOBSITE CULTURE FOCUSED ON MAKING A DIFFERENCE
(1.0 Eimination of Bias CLE approved)
Consideration towards change within our construction industry we need to focus on driving a shift on the attitudes, behaviors and values that contribute to an environment that allows harassment to occur. We need an increased focus on culture, not compliance. If we can make training more engaging, relevant it will provide better results that will be more effective.
This course will affect attorneys in‐house and in law firms addressing hiring, retention, creating inclusive workplaces, understanding the culture of care, recognizing how implicit biases affect construction jobsites, contracts, relations, and setting of MBE goals.
Christa Mardaus (Carpenters Training Institute)
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LEADING WITH AN INCLUSIVE LENS
Is your organization’s climate inclusive or exclusive? Welcoming or unwelcoming? It is important that leaders, managers, and frontline employees learn how to communicate and work effectively across ALL dimensions of diversity. Leading with an Inclusive Lens prepares leaders and employees at all levels to contribute positively to cultivating an inclusive work environment so EVERYONE can thrive and flourish.
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CULTIVATING A CULTURE OF RESPECT, INCLUSION & CIVILITY
In this engaging and interactive presentation, Dr. Jermaine Davis will equip leaders and frontline employees with practical tips on how to work inclusively and respectfully up, down, and across their organization. Individuals will learn how to embrace and value the unique and diverse perspective of their peers and colleagues.
Jermaine Davis (Jermaine M. Davis Seminars & Workshops)
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There's still time to add your logo here and become an
AGC Annual Partner for 2022!
or contact Jennifer to create partnership customized to your needs.
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Your Trusted Resource
Associated General Contractors of Minnesota
525 Park Street, Suite 110 | St. Paul, MN 55103
651-632-8929
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