Important Notice: All Companies Who Work on State Prevailing Wage Projects!
DLLR will be implementing the Maryland State Apprenticeship Funding Law effective Dec. 1, 2011. The law states that all contractors and sub-contractors shall contribute 25 cents per hour for each employee in each covered craft on the prevailing wage project to a registered apprenticeship program, such as ABC Chesapeake Shores. It is essential that your accounting/HR staff attend the following seminar to ensure that your company is in compliance with the new law.
STATE APPRENTICESHIP & TRAINING SEMINAR
Thursday, Nov. 17, 2011
Doubletree Hotel
210 Holiday Court, Annapolis, MD 21401
8am to 11am
REGISTER
Apprenticeship Funding Law Proposed Policy
Apprenticeship Funding Law - ABC Letter to DLLR
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Complying with Fair Labor Standards Act:

We wanted to bring to your attention recent enforcement activity directed by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division (WHD). WHD’s heightened activity is intended to address alleged violations of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), including overtime pay and misclassification of independent contractors. Part of DOL’s long-term strategy is to target so-called “fissured” industries—including construction—as outlined in the agency’s 5-year strategic plan (relevant section attached).  

To date, one of the primary targets of this escalated enforcement is the residential construction industry (refer to the Wall Street Journal’s overview of the residential situation here). In addition, DOL has been attempting to expand its enforcement reach by cross-training other agency enforcement officers (including OSHA inspectors), collaborating with the U.S. Department of Treasury/Internal Revenue Service, and reaching out to state labor agencies.  WHD’s actions have also drawn the attention of watchdogs on Capitol Hill.  On Nov. 3, the House Education and the Workforce Committee held an oversight hearing on WHD enforcement. 

For the past two years, ABC National has alerted members to increased DOL enforcement.  FLSA audits and prevailing wage issues in particular have been discussed at virtually every national conference since 2009 and in other forums.  In addition, ABC National has previously advised members and chapters to prepare for FLSA audits, particularly with regard to the 1099 issue.  

If are a member company have been contacted by DOL regarding this issue, please advise the member to contact counsel and ABC National.

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DLLR Cracking Down on Misclassified Employees- Click here for complete story
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Maryland General Assembly 2010

Below is a list of legislative results that have direct bearing on the construction industry. 

H.B. 644- Procurement- Apprenticeship Training Programs
Enacted- Our amendments allowing for contributions to a registered apprenticeship program or to an organization that has registered apprenticeship programs were kept in the bill.

H.B. 543/S.B. 406- Prevailing Wage Rates- Public Works Contracts- Suits by Employees
Both bills failed.

H.B. 310- Unemployment Insurance- Eligibility- Part-Time Workers
Enacted and signed by the Governor today.

H.B. 921- Construction Permits- Expiration Dates
Enacted

H.B. 951- Health Care Affordability Act-
Failed- This is the 2% payroll tax legislation.

H.B. 1249/S.B. 831- Maryland Wage & Hour law- Payment of Overtime
Failed

H.B. 1287/S.B. 451- Maryland Wage & Hour Law- Criminal Penalties
Failed

H.B. 1307- Health Insurance Requirements- Public Work Contracts-
Failed- This is the bill that would have required a contractor to provide health insurance or pay into a state fund.

H.B. 1409- Prevailing Wage- Reduction in Threshold to $100,000
Failed

S.B. 562- Labor & Employment- Flexible Leave
Enacted

S.B. 660- Labor & Employment- Shift Breaks
Failed

S.B. 704- Construction Sites- Toilets & Lavatories
Failed

S.B. 991- Crane Operators- Certificates of Competence
Enacted