Masonry Magazine August 1968 Page. 15
Seasonality Study Approved
MCAA
Acting with expedition, the House Labor Committee approves legislation directing the government to conduct a study on ways to diminish seasonality in the construction industry to stabilize employment.
The House Select Subcommittee on Labor reported an amended bill the day following the conclusion of three days of public hearings on seasonality. On July 24, the full committee cleared the measure without change.
Charles Velardo, representing the masonry industry's all-weather committee said, "elimination of seasonal patterns would do more than anything else to add skilled manpower hours to the construction work force." The committee, which includes participants from the Bricklayers and Laborers International Unions, PCA, NCMA, SCPI and MCAA, was formed July 1, to conduct research to overcome seasonality. This committee is the masonry All-Weather Program.
Velardo cited examples of cold-weather construction which he said "shows that with the ingenuity of the contractor, the encouragement of the architect, and the cooperation of the owner, buildings can be scheduled and completed during adverse winter conditions."
The Manpower Development and Training Act of 1962, as amended, is further amended, by adding at the end thereof, a new Title, as follows:
TITLE IV
SEASONAL UNEMPLOYMENT IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY
Sec. 401. (a) The Congress finds that seasonal unemployment represents a substantial portion of the unemployment in the construction industry; and a significant portion of all unemployment; that seasonal unemployment results in economic hardship for construction employees, employers, and for the consumers of construction services; that such unemployment constitutes unnecessary and wasteful misuse of the Nation's manpower resources; that stabilization of construction operations may be expected to have a correspondingly stablizing effect on construction employment and costs; and that it is highly desirable from the standpoint of the economy as a whole; and manpower policy in particular that positive and expenditious action be taken by public authorities and private groups to regularize construction employment.
(b) It is therefore, the purpose of this Title to provide for the conduct of a study of seasonality in the construction industry, with special attention to its implications for national manpower policy and to secure recommendations.
Sec. 402. The Secretary of Labor, in cooperation with the Secretary of Commerce, shall study, investigate, conduct research, and prepare a report containing his findings and recommendations concerning means to achieve stabilization of employment in the construction industry and the diminishment of seasonality of employment in such industry, with special attention to its implications for national manpower policy, and shall transmit such report to the President no later than December 31, 1969.
Sec. 403. Matters which the Secretary of Labor, in cooperation with the Secretary of Commerce and after consultation with other officials of Federal agencies, and with engineers, architects, and representatives of labor and management in the construction industry, shall consider, shall include, but not necessarily be limited to the extent to which seasonal unemployment in the construction industry can be reduced without substantial increases in construction costs by means such as:
(a) The application of modern techniques to reduce the influence of weather on construction activity;
(b) The resolution of technical problems which have not been solved by existing research and development activities;
(c) Possible changes in contract procedures in allocation cycles; and
(d) Improved planning and scheduling of construction projects.
August, 1968