Repost: Is construction still a losing game for most women? Are you part of the problem?

A recent article by Julia Evans, Chief Executive at BSRIA, describes the ebb and flow of women workers in the construction field during the past two centuries and questions the long-term efficacy of legislation that simply "throws money" at the job access problem. Through a look at the historical efforts to incorporate women in the building trades workforce, Evans smartly argues:

"Funding new training opportunities is a great step forward, but to see real change we need industry leaders to be proactive in embedding a more diverse and inclusive work culture. The majority of women aged 25-45 find that attitudes, behaviours and perceptions are the greatest barriers (3)." (Evans, 23 July 2014)

To read Evans' full argument regarding women workers in Britain's construction workforce, visit http://www.link2portal.com/.

News Release: Suffolk Construction Launches Fall 2014 Subcontractor Development Series

If you know a Massachusetts MBE or WBE that would benefit from training in construction management and greater access to relationships with major contractors like Suffolk Construction, Suffolk Construction's upcoming Subcontractor Development Series may provide the additional information and resources to help that subcontractor increase their success in the construction field. Applications for the Fall 2014 series are due Friday, August 15 at 5pm.

To get more information, review the eligibility requirements, and complete an application, check out Suffolk Construction's recent news release or visit www.suffolk.com/subcontractor_development_series.html.

Event Recap: "Where are all the women?" webinar

On August 5th, Gamaliel, a network of community organizing affiliates across the United States, South Africa and the United Kingdom, hosted a webinar on "Putting Women to Work in the Skilled Trades through Regulatory Reform" (Gamaliel, 30 July 2014). Panelists Connie Ashbrook, Executive Director of Oregon Tradeswomen, Inc., Francoise Jacobsohn, former manager of Legal Momentum's economic security program, and Jenny Perrino, legislative director for U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur, discussed "why women are still excluded from the construction trades and what can be done to fix the problem" (Gamaliel, 30 July 2014). This webinar is part of Gamaliel's ongoing efforts through the Fire of Faith campaign, which seeks to increase access to living-wage jobs.

Watch the full video of the webinar.
Download the webinar PowerPoint slides.
Learn more about Gamaliel's Fire of Faith campaign.

Repost: World Trade Center contractor charged in multimillion-dollar fraud

DCM Erectors Inc, a contractor of the World Trade Center project in New York City, has been charged with creating fake documentation to appear in compliance with MBE and WBE requirements for construction. A recent Reuters article written by Joseph Ax states:

"In one instance, [DCM Erectors CEO] Davis arranged for at least $2 million in compensation for Johnny Garcia, the owner of minority-owned Solera Construction, the government said. 

Davis claimed a joint venture between Solera and DCM did about $70 million of work when, in fact, DCM did the work itself or hired a non-minority subcontractor, prosecutors said." (Ax, 31 July 2014)

The nearly $1 billion construction job, which includes the US's tallest tower at the site of the September 11th attacks, falls under the New York and New Jersey's Port Authority Regulations regarding the allocation of construction contracts to MBE and WBE companies.

Visit http://www.reuters.com/ to read the full Reuters article.