Workforce

11.23.20

Plumbing industry allies IAPMO, the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry of the United States, Canada (UA), and the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association – National Association (PHCC-NA) enthusiastically support passage of the National Apprenticeship Act of 2020 (H.R. 8294) by the U.S. House of Representatives. The bill seeks to reauthorize the 1937 National Apprenticeship Act, which established the registered apprenticeship system, for the first time since its inception 83 years ago.

10.29.20

On September 22, 2020, President Trump issued Executive Order 13950, “Combating Race and Sex Stereotyping.” The Executive Order sets forth the policy of the United States “not to promote race or sex stereotyping or scapegoating” and prohibits federal contractors from inculcating such views in their employees in workplace diversity and inclusion trainings. The U.S. Department of Labor has issued additional Guidance to assist in implementation.

10.14.20

Determined to safely proceed with a reimagined annual convention despite challenges presented by a global pandemic, the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors—National Association (PHCC) tapped into creativity, adaptability and modern technology to host a virtual PHCCCONNECT2020, Sept. 30 - Oct. 1. The comprehensive event – the first annual convention held online in the association’s 138-year history – provided a rewarding opportunity for p-h-c contractors, industry partners and PHCC’s affiliated groups to reconnect as an industry. 

10.13.20

As global economic disruption accelerates during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, leaders in manufacturing, distribution and residential and commercial services are calling attention to overlooked career opportunities in the traditional skilled trades and urging an industry-wide focus on workforce development to close the skilled trades labor gap and recruit a new generation of young workers.

08.26.20

Considering the current impasse over funding another COVID relief bill and the U.S. Postal Service in the midst of election season, there is much uncertainty over how Congress will fund the government after September 30. Upon its return to Washington, the Senate will have approximately three weeks to pass 12 appropriations bills, which will then require reconciliation with the House bill before it goes to President Trump for his signature before adjourning for the month of October to campaign.

05.14.20

PHCC members can now participate in a full suite of DeVry University online education options at a partner group registration rate and with the potential to earn a degree. Through a tailored partnership with a well-known education and training provider, PHCC members can access a wide array of DeVryWORKS Skills Gap Training online course modules.

04.16.20

Roughly two weeks after President Trump signed the CARES Act into law to inject $2.3 trillion into the U.S. economy to keep it afloat, the $350 billion allocated for small business assistance is expected to dry up by the end of the week. As of close-of-business Wednesday, 1.52 million small businesses were approved for $324 billion in loans.

03.30.20

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has updated its “Essential Critical Infrastructure Workforce” advisory list to more accurately define the plumbing and mechanical industry, a list that now includes language for which IAPMO advocated.”

03.26.20

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued guidance outlining essential workers that should be exempt from any quarantine orders issued by state or local governments requiring citizens to stay at home.

03.26.20

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Congress has passed two bills providing financial aid and is currently debating a third bill that will provide significant economic stimulus (subsequently known as “Phase 1,” “Phase 2,” and “Phase 3”).