Why would we give non-union contractors a free ride?

Hold them accountable

Ensure a level playing field

As you know, the House passed their version of Health Care earlier this season, only by a mere two votes.  The Senate debate is drawing to a close rapidly with a vote projected for next week.  However, before they vote, we need your help immediately.  Currently, the employer mandate in health care reform, in the Senate, disrupts our union contractor provided plans. 

We need you to help fight for our right as Americans—to good quality, affordable health care.

Our department, as well as fellow affiliates of the building trades and the AFL-CIO, have been aggressively pushing the “Merkley Amendment.”  Senator Merkley, of Oregan, has sponsored an amendment which would be applied to the construction industry ONLY and would allow the employer exemption to kick in at the 5 employees or $250,000 or less, instead of the Senate’s current number of 50.

This amendment is vital to the future of our healthcare plans and job creation.  

We need to stay competitive at the bidding table.  

We are asking you to call your local Senate offices and ask for their support—immediately.  Please urge them to become a co-sponsor.  Click here http://political.ua.org/Senate.aspx to find more information about your Senator.  The summary of the amendment and talking points are below.  We appreciate all your support. If you should have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the department.  Make sure there is a level playing field. 

 2.5 MILLION BUILDING TRADES MEMBERS & OVER 25,000 CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY EMPLOYERS AGREE:

A STRONGER EMPLOYER MANDATE FOR OUR INDUSTRY IS CRITICAL FOR HEALTH CARE REFORM

WE NEED A MORE SENSIBLE SMALL EMPLOYER EXEMPTION FOR A KEY INDUSTRY THAT IS MADE UP OF ALMOST ALL SMALL EMPLOYERS

The current Senate proposal exempts ALL companies that employ less than 50 employees. But in construction, 90% of firms employ fewer than 20 workers, 80% employ less than 10 and 50% employ less than 5.

This means the small employer exemption will give a free pass to almost the entire construction industry, one of the largest industries in our economy.

Such an impact undermines health care reform AND is highly unfair to the Building Trades and our employers who have been doing the right thing and providing health care for years.

THE PROBLEM

Construction is a low-bid business. Unless fixed, the current small business exemption will harm all the construction employers who do the right thing and provide health care, while giving a significant unfair advantage to thousands of unfair companies that don’t.

The union sector of the construction industry has been providing health care to working families for 60-plus years. To do this, union workers sacrifice wages; union contractors sacrifice profits. This is how we get it done and everyone benefits.

However, health care can account for as much as 20% of payroll. So firms that deny their workers heath care can easily undercut those that provide it, which means contractors who take the low-road end up with an unfair advantage on every job they bid.

Do we really want health care “reform” that punishes companies and unions who do the right thing, but goes out of its way to reward contractors who don’t? This must be fixed.

WHY IS THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY UNIQUE?

Construction is unique and different from many other industries. For example, with some of the highest injury, illness and fatality rates, it’s one of the most dangerous of all industries.

As a result, in health, safety and many other areas, federal and state laws and public policies treat construction differently to address the unique and special conditions of this industry.

Mandatory health care for most construction employers is critical for all these reasons. Over 25,000 companies currently provide health care in this industry, so can the rest.

WHAT IS THE SOLUTION?

Support a construction industry amendment that exempts only the truly small employers in this industry – those that have less than 6 employees AND a payroll of less than $250,000.

Ensure a Strong Employer Mandate for the Construction Industry Ensure a Fair & Level Playing Field

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