Unions and contractors are looking to attract more women and people of color to construction.

Thomas J. Gunning oversaw the Building Trades Employers’ Association (BTEA) Boston rebrand as BTEA Northeast. 

Unions praise bill, contractor groups say it puts training programs not affiliated with unions at a disadvantage.

Restrictions already have disrupted the craftworker pipeline, with many programs shuttered, severely limited and now coping with new rules of engagement.

Final rule retains construction exclusion from new industry-recognized apprentice programs.

Update 9/26: Nominee approved on 53-44 vote along party lines.

The commentary, “Keep The Rule Exemption As Is,” claimed that construction should remain excluded from the U.S. Dept. of Labor’s proposed rule on apprenticeship expansion because union apprenticeship programs set the bar high on quality training and earning potential.