|
|
IMSCA Needs Your Assistance! ACTION NEEDED concerning the Illinois Workers Compensation Rule Change! (COVID-19 related)
|
Please click the link below for information regarding ACTION NEEDED concerning the Illinois Workers Compensation Rule Change - (COVID-19 related).
|
|
|
|
CSC Live Webinars Available
|
Please click the link below for information regarding the Chicago Construction Safety Council (CSC) upcoming live webinars.
|
|
|
|
Please click the link below for IMSCA’s most recent legislative update. This update includes information on the expected budgetary impact COVID-19 presents on Illinois’ budget and the recent emergency rule issued by the Illinois Workers Compensation Commission. This report has also been added to IMSCA’s website,
www.imsca.org.
|
|
|
|
ECA Membership Meeting -
May 13, 2020
No longer an in-person meeting!
(Afternoon Virtual Membership Meeting)
|
The program will feature industry updates, and guest presentations from Josh Bone, Director of Industry Innovation and Lonnie Cumpton, Director Construction Manufacturing of the
National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA)
. This event will
NOT
be held at Ocean Prime Restaurant, Chicago, IL.
|
|
|
|
NECA Safety Stand Down
(Covid-19)
|
NECA is sponsoring a safety stand down on April 29, 2020 to recognize the many electricians and utility workers that have been deemed essential workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, and continue to go to work each day and make sacrifices to better our country. Take part and share a note or photo with #NECASafety, and on NECA’s
LinkedIn
and
Facebook
accounts. Please share the number of workers who participated with
safety@necanet.org
so NECA can feature this in the future. Material for your safety stand down can be found by clicking on the link below.
|
|
|
|
NECA Submittal to Congress -- Request for Continuance of Appropriations for SBA (COVID-19 related) / Current Status of SBA Appropriations
|
Please click on the link below for information regarding a NECA Submittal to Congress -- Request for Continuance of Appropriations for SBA (COVID-19 related) / Current Status of SBA Appropriations:
|
|
|
|
Illinois Department of Labor Update: Training Dates available forPrevailing Wage Certified Payroll Portal
|
Please click on the link below for information concerning the
Illinois Department of Labor Update: Training Dates available for Prevailing Wage Certified Payroll Portal:
|
|
|
|
F
ollow-up from IMSCA --
Changes to Illinois Workers Compensation benefits
(COVID-19 related)
|
Here is a follow-up from the Illinois Mechanical & Specialty Contractors Association (IMSCA), the lobbying group ECA utilizes in regard to matters involving the Illinois General Assembly, issues affecting subcontractors in Illinois, regarding the recent change to Illinois Workers Compensation benefits.
The Illinois Workers Compensation Commission held an emergency meeting on April 15, 2020 to adopt another version of the emergency rule originally adopted on April 13, 2020. The changes approved on April 15, 2020 do not make significant changes to the previously approved rule. The approved changes include Section a) 2) and re-writes the definition of “COVID-19 First Responder or Front-Line Worker” and states this definition means, “The term "COVID-19 First Responder or Front-Line Worker" means any individuals employed as police, fire personnel, emergency medical technicians, or paramedics and all individuals employed and considered as first responders, health care providers engaged in patient care, corrections officers, and the crucial personnel identified under Section 1 Parts 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12 of Executive Order 2020-10 dated March 20, 2020”.
The amended rule can be read in its entirety by clicking this link:
As a reminder, Construction was deemed an “essential” business in Sections 9 and 12h of Governor Pritzker’s Executive Order 10-2020 issued on March 20, 2020. This emergency rule adopted by the Illinois Workers Compensation Commission will be effective for 150 days beginning April 16, 2020. Many business groups have publicly stated that the approval of this emergency rule is illegal. Their arguments are based on that this emergency rule violates state statute since an agency cannot make substantive policy changes in the rule-making process, and this change is an overreach of the Commission. In addition, there is a contention the adoption of the rule was made in violation of the Open Meetings Act. The conference call that was held on April 15, 2020 to adopt a new version of the emergency rule was intended to remove the argument that this was accomplished in violation of the Open Meetings Act. IMSCA was able to participate in the call, and many members of the public participated, as well.
It is IMSCA’s understanding that trade associations who represent employers and the business community (Illinois Manufacturing Association, Illinois Retail Merchants Association and the Illinois Chamber of Commerce) plan to take the lead in seeking legal action against the State in an effort to overturn this new emergency rule. These groups will be seeking supporters to participate in signing on to an amicus brief. Like many other situations contractors are facing, this is fluid and is far from being resolved. IMSCA will continue to offer updates as this situation continues to unfold and will inform you of ways to participate in opposing this rule.
Again, IMSCA will offer updated information as it becomes available. If you have any specific questions, you can contact Jessica Newbold Hoselton, Executive Director, Illinois Mechanical & Specialty Contractors Association (IMSCA) at: (217) 523-4361.
|
|
|
|
NECA Education Advancement Resource Network (EARN)
|
Pete Mastrorocco,
Vice President, Education for the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) recently announced a new educational initiative within NECA — the Education Advancement Resource Network (EARN), a network of higher learning powered by NECA. The program seeks to connect all NECA Stakeholders with institutions of higher education for degree and certificate programs designed to improve our value proposition as service providers. NECA has kicked off this program with 17 certificate programs delivered through three institutions—
Brandman University
,
Louisiana State University Online
and
Oakland City University
. Most of these online, self-paced programs can be initiated at any point, allowing NECA members to get started right away while still managing a busy work schedule. Watch NECA this Week, NECA Video Update or visit
www.necaearn.org
for more information.
|
|
|
|
NECA Legal Alert: COVID-19 and Contractor Liability
|
Employee and workplace safety should be the top concern for contractors during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, every business has justifiable concerns with employer liability as it makes decisions for moving on with operations.
Any contractor can be sued for anything, by anyone, at any time. That statement was true before, is true during, and it will be true after the COVID-19 pandemic. But keep in mind that there must be some underlying fraud, negligence or wrongdoing to actually impose liability on a contractor. This alert details some best practices to avoid such liability.
|
|
|
|
Event Changes and Cancellations
|
You can find all ECA, NECA and Industry Event date changes or cancellations due to COVID-19 on
ECA's website here.
|
|
|
|
YOUNG PROFESSIONALS OF ECA: UPCOMING EVENTS .......
|
We have postponed "in person" events for this Spring. The Young Professionals committee is making plans for online activities, and they will be posted soon at
www.ecachicago.com
|
|
|
|
Employee Resource Systems: Employee Assistance Program April Webinar
|
April 21, 2020 webinar: “Effective Communication with Children.” Tune in to this session to learn about different communication styles and how to communicate effectively, starting in early childhood.
Username: ECA
Password: Chicago
|
|
|
|
U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) temporary regulations - Stay-at-Home Order(s) and FFCRA impact.
|
Please click on the link below for the DOL's temporary regulations applicable to the Family First Coronavirus Response Act clarifying how local, state, or federal “shelter in place”/“stay at home” orders affect entitlements to FFCRA leave.
|
|
|
|
Slow the Spread of COVID-19 with Proper Cleaning of Electrical PPE
|
Due to the cross-contamination challenges impacting our industry caused by COVID-19, Enespro has updated our Care and Maintenance Guidelines for Electrical PPE, incorporating important CDC guidelines and references to ASTM F496.
|
|
|
|
U.S. Treasury Updated Paycheck Protection Program
(PPP) Application Form (CARES Act)
|
Please click on the link below for the Treasury Department's new version of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) application. Please disregard the previously distributed form.
Please visit the ECA website at
www.ecachicago.com
(Latest News) and also the NECA website at:
www.necanet.org
under the COVID-19 Resource Center, for much more information. Please contact the ECA with any questions at: (708) 531-0022.
|
|
|
|
NECA Project Excellence Awards Deadline Approaching
|
Recognizing
the outstanding work, professionalism and ingenuity of NECA member contractors.
Applications are due by April 30, 2020. Submit your project today!
|
|
|
|
Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) Sick Leave Templates
(Developed for ECA by Baker McKenzie)
|
In accordance with the Family First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) and the Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act (EPSLA), employees may be eligible for up to 80 hours or 10 days of paid sick leave. Employees are required to request the sick leave from their employer. To help with this we have had the ECA counsel, Baker McKenzie, put together a template request form and letter that you may choose to use for this purpose. Please click on the link below for template letters.
If you have any questions or concerns, please let us know.
|
|
|
|
NECA Safety Updates -
COVID-19 Related
|
Please click on the link below for a number of NECA Safety updates, including information regarding:
·
Coronavirus Risk Assessment Checklist;
·
Coronavirus Construction Site
Guidelines;
·
Coronavirus Safety Talk - Social
Distancing;
·
Coronavirus Safety Talk - Worksite
Recommendations;
·
Coronavirus Safety Talk - Symptoms of
COVID-19;
·
Coronavirus Safety Talk COVID -19 and
Other Communicable Diseases;
·
NECA Infectious Control Policy; and
·
FFCRA Safety Poster.
|
|
|
|
Listing of State-by-State Executive Orders (A NECA compiled listing)
|
Please click on the link below for a listing of
State by State Survey of Executive Orders.
|
|
|
|
CARES Act Update
(Baker & McKenzie)
|
Please click on the link below for a recent article from Baker & McKenzie (ECA legal counsel)
called,
"
SBA and Treasury Announce Mobilization for Paycheck Protection Act, Signaling Swift Steps Toward CARES Act Relief"
regarding updates to the CARES Act.
|
|
|
|
Families First Coronavirus Reponse Act (FFCRA) -- ECA Webinar Q & A Update
|
During our FFCRA webinar held Monday, March 30, one of the issues addressed was when an individual qualified for the two weeks of emergency paid sick leave (EPSLA). At that time (Mon 3/30) the DOL had indicated that the “IL Stay-at-Home Order” did not meet the definition of a State or local quarantine or isolation order. The presenter noted this during the presentation.
Unfortunately, as of Wednesday, April 1, the DOL issued Temporary regulations and in so doing changed the definition of a quarantine or isolation order to include “shelter-in-place, or stay-at-home orders issued by any Federal, State or local government authority”.
This now means that in theory the “IL Stay-at-Home order” could qualify an individual for paid sick leave (EPSLA). However, because the Illinois Stay at Home Executive Order excludes the construction industry, from the stay-at-home requirement because construction is considered as essential, employees who are essential workers do not qualify for the paid sick leave based on this criteria alone.
Please note that (1) employees who are not essential are eligible for the two weeks of emergency sick leave unless their work site is closed for reasons unrelated to COVID-19; and (2) essential workers remain eligible for emergency leave under the remaining criteria.
The Government's response to COVID-19 is a very fluid and evolving situation. We will continue to provide updates as information becomes available.
|
|
|
|
NECA SAFETY Offers Two New Documents In Regard to Safety & COVID-19.
|
Please review two new documents from NECA Safety: “Risk Assessment Process and Checklist for Work Impacted by COVID-19” and “NECA Example Exposure Control Plan (ECP).”
Links to these documents are below and can also be found on the ECA website at www.ecachicago.com and also on the NECA website at: www.necanet.org under the COVID-19 Resource Center, along with much more information.
|
|
|
|
SBA Loan Information, Comparison Analysis
|
|
|
|
On March 26, 2020, the Senate passed “Phase III” of the Coronavirus Response Package, the
Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act
in a 96-0 vote. The House is expected to pass the $2 trillion bill on Friday, March 27, 2020. A full
summary
of the CARES Act and the full CARE Act can be found by clicking on the links below.
|
|
|
|
USDOL Required FFCRA Posting
|
The US Department of Labor (DOL) has published the required posting pursuant to the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA). Please click on link below. The notice must be posted in your workplace. For more guidance on this, the USDOL has provided some FAQs at the following link:
https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/pandemic/ffcra-poster-questions
.
|
|
|
|
EJAB NDERA Referral Follow-up
|
In regard to compliance with the NDERA,
the Electrical Joint Arbitration Board (EJAB) has submitted a clarification regarding the Recall scenario concerning lay-off of employee(s).
Please click on the link below for the EJAB notice.
Also, please click on the link below for a copy of the “National Disease Emergency Response Agreement (NDERA),” as well as the jointly created NDERA Question and Answers. Please review the Q & A sheet. This will assist firms in complying with the agreement!
|
|
|
|
Construction Impact letter, Contract Rights, and FFCRA FAQ
|
Please see
this template letter from NECA that you may find useful in dealing with your customers concerning construction impacts resulting from COVID-19.
|
|
|
|
Rebuilding Together - April 25, 2020 (Christmas in April)
POSTPONED
|
The Annual Rebuilding Chicago Event has postponed, and will take place later this year. More information will be distributed once arrangements are made.
|
|
EIT BENEFIT FUNDS STATEMENTS REGARDING
COVID-19
Due to the impact of COVID-19, the Electrical Insurance Trust (EIT) has submitted a number of statements regarding EIT's participant services.
(The two most recent are available below).
|
|
|
|
"Electrical Management Essentials: Finance, Insurance & Legal"
-- ON HOLD --
|
"Electrical Management Essentials: Finance, Insurance & Legal" - On Hold -
This one-day class, designed specifically for NECA’s small and medium-sized contractors, will bring in three experts to discuss the essential elements of finance, insurance and risk, and legal issues that all contractors need to know. On the financial side, the experts will examine topics such as indirect costs, work in process, financial statements, and profit fade. They will cover key protections for managing your risk and the essential insurance policies you must have. And finally, they will discuss important changes to overtime laws, guidance for drafting and interpreting product and services contracts, and provide you with best practices for workplace investigations.
This program was originally scheduled to be held on April 24, 2020 at the Westin Hotel in Itasca, Illinois. However, the program is now ON HOLD!
|
|
|
|
"NECA Safety Professionals Conference" - POSTPONED!
May 18 - 20, 2020
|
The NECA Safety Professionals Conference has been postponed! It will now take place at the NECA 2020 Convention in Chicago this October.
|
|
|
|
"Advanced Estimating of Electrical Construction" - POSTPONED!
May 20 - 21, 2020
|
The Electrical Contractors' Association of City of Chicago (ECA) Research and Education Committee workshop called, "Advanced Estimating of Electrical Construction" has been postponed!
|
|
|
|
ECA PRESIDENT'S PARTY: MAY 22 -
POSTPONED
THIS EVENT WILL BE RESCHEDULED FOR A LATER DATE THIS YEAR.
|
|
|
|
ECA Golf Outing - POSTPONED, WILL BE RESCHEDULED FOR A LATER DATE
|
The Electrical Contractors’ Association of City of Chicago (ECA) is pleased to present a special event in lieu of the ECA Annual Spring Conference. The event is the “ECA Golf Outing.” This is an opportunity for Chapter members to not only participate in a complimentary golf outing on June 1, 2020 at Kemper Lakes Golf Club, 24000 N. Old McHenry Road in Kildeer, Illinois, which includes use of a driving range, lunch, food and beverages on the course, cocktails and dinner, networking and a raffle; but, an opportunity to contribute to the NECAPAC.
|
|
|
|
NECA Midwestern Region Conference has been CANCELED!
|
Due to the uncertainty of COVID-19, NECA has made the difficult decision to cancel the 2020 Midwestern Region Conference in Colorado Springs, Colorado, June 13 - 17, 2020.
NECA is working closely with the Broadmoor and will be canceling all hotel reservations for all registrants. All registration fees will be refunded in full to all registered participants. There is nothing you need to do, however - if you booked your hotel accommodations outside the room block, or at a hotel other than the Broadmoor, you will need to contact them directly to ensure room cancellation. If you are still planning to visit Colorado Springs and would like to keep your hotel reservation at the Broadmoor, please let us know.
We look forward to the 2022 Midwestern Region Conference, which will be held June 2022 at the Broadmoor.
|
|
ECA SUMMER SOCIAL EVENT
August 14, 2020
Air and Water Show Rehearsal
Lakeside Theater
Chicago, IL
WELCOME TO CHICAGO PARTY!
NECA CONVENTION: Welcome event hosted by ECA Chicago
October 2, 2020
Soldier Field
Chicago, IL
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
