Labor Updates, 1-13

• Andy Cole
• January 14, 2010

While an issue surrounding temporary heat on jobsites proved to be anything but temporary for contractors, the end result of a grievance brought by Operating Engineers Local 150 proved to be what was hoped for. As reported by Bob Casey of Ogletree Deakins, an arbitrator found that Local 150 did not have a jurisdictional claim to monitor the heaters based on the contract language.

The arbitrator's decision closes the book on a dispute that has taken over two years to resolve. It's anticipated that this effectively ends these type of disputes as long as the contract language remains the same. Local 150's contract is one of several collective bargaining agreements set to be re-negotiated this spring. 

In other labor related news:

• The Illinois Right to Privacy in the Workplace Act was amended - effective January 1 - to include a provision requiring any employer using E-Verify to complete an additional form at the time of enrollment. Employers who are already enrolled in E-Verify must complete this form of testimony before Saturday, January 30.

For more information on this or any other labor issue, contact Builders Association Director of Labor Denise Herdrich at 847-318-8585.