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CSC Offering FREE "Excavation Hazards in Construction" - Virtual Classroom Course - May 29, 2020
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The Construction Safety Council is now offering a FREE "Excavation Hazards in Construction" virtual training program on May 29, 2020.
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SAFETY UPDATES:
NECA Safety Awards Winners -
eSafetyline Free COVID-19 Module-
OSHA Guidelines during COVID-19
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NECA SAFETY AWARD WINNERS
NECA recently announced their 2020 Recipients for the NECA Recognition of Safety Achievement Programs for Safety Excellence and Zero Injury. NECA’s Recognition of Safety Achievement program is an elite safety recognition focused on recognizing thriving companies that excel in multiple areas of their safety and health programs. Member companies that consistently have OSHA recordable injury and fatality rates at levels lower than the industry standard, and implement internal company safety practices above and beyond basic compliance will receive the recognition. The Chicago & Cook County Chapter congratulates the awardees and acknowledges all contractors who actively promote safety on a daily basis!
The Chapter awardees include, the following:
SAFETY EXCELLENCE
Advent Systems, Inc.
Continental Electrical Construction Company
High Voltage Electric Testing & Maintenance
Linear Electric, Inc.
Lyons Electric Company, Inc.
McWilliams Electric Company, Inc.
Moran Electrical Contracting
ZERO INJURY
Advent Systems, Inc.
High Voltage Electric Testing & Maintenance
Linear Electric, Inc.
Lyons Electric Company, Inc.
McWilliams Electric Company, Inc.
Moran Electrical Contracting
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ESAFETYLINE COMPLIMENTARY SERVICE
Due to these unusual and trying times, In-Tec is offering a free COVID 19 module to not only the Chapter firms who are already using eSafetyline, but to all Chapter members. Please click on the following link for the eSafetyline Special Notice.
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OSHA GUIDELINES DURING COVID-19 NEWS RELEASE
The U.S. Department of Labor’s OSHA Issues Guidance to Help Construction Workers During the Coronavirus Pandemic.
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NECA LEGAL & SAFETY ALERT
COVID19 & OSHA Record-able Event
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NECA has been tracking the developments at the Occupational Health and Safety Administration
(OSHA) related to COVID-19 being a recordable incident on the jobsite. The intent of the current memorandum requires industries where workers are in direct contact with COVID-19, such as healthcare or first responders, to treat employees who contract
COVID-19 on the jobsite as a recordable incident. On May 19th, OSHA issued interim guidance to replace the current OSHA memorandum on the recordability issue that will take effect on May 26th and stay in place during the “current COVID-19 public health crisis” and until rescinded.
The Revised Enforcement Guidance for Recording Cases of Coronavirus Disease 2019 can
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ECA Leadership Webinar Series #2 -- “Change Matters"
Presented by Alex Willis, Leadership Surge
June 4, 2020 at 11:00 am
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The ECA Research and Education Committee is pleased to present a Leadership Webinar Series. The second of three programs to be presented by Alex Willis, Leadership Surge on June 4, 2020 is called, "Change Matters."
Change Matters Course Overview:
No matter if you are the boss or just a foot soldier, change affects everyone. In dealing with change, people must address their own thoughts, feeling and behaviors first to be able to go through a change. There are loads of books and training programs addressing organizational change.
This training program focuses on what it actually feels like during a workplace change or a personal change. It provides you with a logical framework to assist you in gaining perspective on the change situation you are facing and its impact and helping you develop insight that will guide you through the transition.
The goal of this program is to help you take responsibility for how you react and respond to a change by giving you a set of tools and techniques of self-awareness and assessment to light up the curves and sometimes bumpy ride on your road to change.
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“Mental Health Awareness for Leaders” Webinar - June 9, 2020
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The ECA Research and Education Committee is pleased to present a webinar called, “Mental Health Awareness for Leaders.” The speaker will be Kathy Horton, of Employee Resource Systems, Inc.
Mental Health Month may be coming to a close, but the need to address mental health within the context of the workplace is far from over. Please join us for a presentation by Kathy Horton from ERS EAP about some of the signs, symptoms and implications of some of the most common mental health conditions that the US Workforce faces, as well as some practical tools and tips for leaders. This webinar is scheduled for 11:00 am on Tuesday, June 9, 2020.
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ECA Leadership Webinar Series #3 -- “Building High Performance Teams"
Presented by Alex Willis, Leadership Surge
June 18, 2020 at 11:00 am
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The ECA Research and Education Committee is pleased to present a Leadership Webinar Series. The third of three programs to be presented by Alex Willis, Leadership Surge on June 18, 2020 is called, "Building High Performance Teams."
Building High Performance Teams Overview:
A highly engaging training program packed with a plethora of fun activities and games focusing on the key characteristics of high performing teams. The high energy training program will help you equip members of a team with the essential skill set and mind set to be a professional team player in a high performing team in which every individual takes responsibility to be productive, proactive and reliable.
The training program will help you create a more professional, dynamic, effective work team that enjoys the work environment and consistently achieves more.
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US 50 State Shelter-In-Place / Reopening Tracker
Provided by Baker McKenzie
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Shelter-in-place or stay at home orders have been prevalent throughout the United States since March 2020 as state and local governments have sought to protect their citizens from the spread of the COVID-19 virus. With the spread appearing to slow in parts of the US, several states are now implementing plans to relax these orders and re-open their economies. Keeping up with the evolving nature of these orders and plans is critical to the functioning of all businesses throughout the country.
We are pleased to make available our
US 50 State Shelter-in-Place / Reopening Tracker
, which identifies the relevant state-wide shelter-in-place orders and their related expiration dates as well as the state-wide reopening plans, and whether local (county/municipal) orders also apply, in each of the 50 United States.
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Updated Guidance Regarding PPP Program - Loan Forgiveness
(NECA Outside Counsel) &
NECA Legal Webinar Q & A Update - CARES Act PPP Forgiveness Guidance
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Here is additional information regarding PPP guidance. Also, please review information regarding NECA's recent Phase IV Webinar and PPP Loan Forgiveness Application.
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Please click on the link below for the most recent update from NECA's outside Counsel (Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP) regarding the CARES Act Paycheck Protection Program - Loan Forgiveness.
Information in the update includes:
-Link to Loan Forgiveness Application
-Key Takeaways to Consider
-Forgiveness Application Process
-Definitions Section
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Please review an updated Q & A from a recent NECA Legal Webinar regarding PPP Forgiveness Guidance.
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Please be advised that the Trustees of the National Electrical Benefit Fund (NEBF) and the National Employees Benefit Board (NEBB) have agreed to a temporary amendment to the Trust Agreement. This temporary amendment will waive the requirement for the 3% NEBF contribution on federally mandated sick pay due to the COVID-19 virus. The waiver is for up to a maximum of 80 hours and it is effective for the period of April 16, 2020 through December 31, 2020. Please click on the link below for a copy of the summary.
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NDERA Update / Recall Letter
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In accordance with the National Disease Emergency Response Agreement (
NDERA
), enacted by the national organizations of IBEW and NECA dated March 16, 2020, an employer who has a job halted/delayed due to the COVID-19 has the right to Lay-Off or Furlough his IBEW employees, and recall them back upon the restart of the project in which the member was laid off/furloughed from.
A number of contractors have exercised that right and are now starting to recall employees per the NDERA. When recalling employees and returning them to work it is critical that it is done properly. The contractor must notify the #134 referral office that employees are being recalled and returning to work, prior to the individual returning to work.
Please click the link below for a sample letter that could be used to inform the #134 referral office of the recall / return to work. This letter or a similar letter should be emailed to the #134 referral office at
Referral@local134.org
, prior to returning the recalled employees to work.
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Please click on the link below for a copy of a recent letter from the Electrical Contractors' Association of City of Chicago (ECA)
sent to all signatory contractors
clarifying the Families First Coronavirus Act (FFCRA) regarding benefits.
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- IMSCA Update -
Illinois Sexual Harassment Training Guidelines
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As you are aware, Senate Bill 75, Public Act 101-0221 was signed into law by Governor Pritzker in August 2019. Under this Act, Illinois employers are required to train employees on sexual harassment prevention by December 31, 2020, and on an annual basis thereafter. This requirement applies to all employers with employees working in this State. Employers must either develop their own sexual harassment prevention training program that equals or exceeds the minimum standards for sexual harassment prevention training outlined in Section 2-109(B) of the Illinois Human Rights Act, or they may use the model training provided by the Illinois Department of Human Rights (IDHR).
The IDHR has finally released the model sexual harassment prevention training that can be used by Illinois employers.
The model training program can be downloaded by clicking the link below. The training can be downloaded as a PowerPoint presentation or alternatively, it can be downloaded in a PDF format. Additional resources, guidance and Frequently Asked Questions can also be found by visiting the website.
If you have question or need additional information, you can contact Jessica Newbold Hoselton, Executive Director, Illinois Mechanical & Specialty Contractors Association (IMSCA) at: (217) 523-4361.
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Illinois Department of Labor Certified Payroll Portal Update
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Pursuant to Public Act 100-1177, the Illinois Department of Labor is required to develop an online database for contractors to use to submit certified payrolls. The IDOL’s central reporting process was to be implemented by April 1, 2020. A few weeks ago, you received information regarding webinar training sessions offered by the Illinois Department of Labor to learn how to use IDOL’s new prevailing wage certified payroll portal. The training sessions hosted by IDOL resulted in more questions than answers. As a result, IDOL has conceded that the new system is not ready. IDOL has expressed that contractors can continue to follow the existing process and file director with owners, and use whatever reporting format is currently used. This new program is in flux, and contractors are encouraged to hold off on making any changes to your systems until the new processes are finalized.
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Stay up to date on the latest changes for our Industry including news releases, legislation and Government mandates, workplace safety and preparation guidelines, OSHA alerts, and more that affect electrical contractors in Chicago and Cook County.
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ECA OFFICE AVAILABILITY /
DUES REPORTING /
NEBF SUBMITTAL PROCESS
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We would like to remind everyone, that our staff is here to serve you, even while a portion of the staff may be working remotely. Our main switchboard may be forwarded to a staff member at any given time, so if you should have difficulty getting through on our main number 708-531-0022, please reach out to us via the following contact information.
Staff contact information is as follows:
Tim Taylor – Assistant Manager
Carrie Spaeth – Assistant Manager
NEBF PAYMENTS: Please reach out to Jessica Waterous if you do not currently report and pay your NEBF electronically and you would like to do so.
ECA DUES: If you would prefer an electronic dues reporting/payment option, please reach out to Gina Floro.
Meanwhile, staggered staff are still available to accept mail and packages at our office in Westchester.
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EVENT CHANGES AND CANCELLATIONS
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You can find all ECA, NECA and Industry Event date changes or cancellations due to COVID-19 on
ECA's website here.
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Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) Updates / IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR CONTRACTORS WITH FEWER THAN 50 EMPLOYEES
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Please click on the links below updates regarding the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA): The first link is for a copy of a letter to all signatory contractors regarding interim guidance as to how the paid leave requirements in the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) for employers with 500 or fewer employees will be handled. The second link is an updated NECA FFCRA FAQ. The third link is a link to an article concerning the Department of Labor's direction regarding how employers with fewer than 50 employees are handled in the FFCRA..
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Additional resources on the CARES Act, Payroll Protection Provisions, Checklist from SBA
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2020 Project Excellence Awards
DEADLINE EXTENDED TO
JUNE 15, 2020
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NECA began accepting submissions for the 2020 Project Excellence Awards Program on January 1, 2020. These prestigious awards recognize NECA member companies for their outstanding commitment, professionalism and ingenuity in delivering an electrical project across 12 different market sectors.
Submissions for projects completed in 2019 will be accepted until June 15, 2020.
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ECA Golf Outing -
August 4, 2020
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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 August 4, 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.
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ECA Educational / Special Program Stipends for Remainder of 2020
The Electrical Contractors' Association of City of Chicago (ECA) Executive Committee has extended a number of educational stipends for many special programs / conferences throughout 2020. All stipends / reimbursements are made after each conference with registration confirmation(s) forwarded to ECA.
Listed below are the stipend opportunities:
NECA Safety Professionals Conference
(NEW DATES!)
The ECA Executive Committee approved the educational stipends of the Registration fees for up to two representatives and their guest and/or spouse, if applicable, of participating ECA member firms for the NECA Safety Professionals Conference - October 5 - 7, 2020 in Chicago.
NECA Convention
The ECA Executive Committee approved the educational stipends of the Registration fees for up to two representatives and their guest and/or spouse, if applicable, of participating ECA member firms for the NECA Convention on October 3 - 6, 2020 in Chicago, IL.
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ECA SUMMER SOCIAL EVENT
August 14, 2020
Air and Water Show Rehearsal
Lakeside Theater
Chicago, IL
"MANAGING FIELD PRODUCTIVITY" -
RE-SCHEDULED from March 25, 2020 to August 26, 2020 (This session is full!)
Additional "MANAGING FIELD PRODUCTIVITY" Session
Arranged For August 27, 2020
(Registration is now Open!)
Drake Oak Brook Hotel
Oak Brook, IL
"ADVANCED ESTIMATING OF ELECTRICAL CONSTRUCTION" -
RE-SCHEDULED!
September 16 & 17, 2020
(8 spots remain!)
Drake Oak Brook Hotel
Oak Brook, IL
WELCOME TO CHICAGO PARTY!
NECA CONVENTION: Welcome event hosted by ECA Chicago
October 2, 2020
Soldier Field
Chicago, IL
"SUCCESSION PLANNING" SEMINAR
October 21, 2020
Drake Oak Brook Hotel
Oak Brook, IL
"THE TOP HABITS OF HIGH-PERFORMING FOREMEN" SEMINAR
November 18, 2020
Drake Oak Brook Hotel
Oak Brook, IL
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