Join SER's 47th Anniversary Gala in Houston on April 20, 2012.A few months ago the Construction Citizen team toured the offices and training facilities of SER – Jobs for Progress...
Social Responsibility
Sophisticated project owners and developers pick premier contractors who are principled, are socially responsible and develop their workforce. They know that contractors who build lasting, high quality employee relationships and career paths for their craftspeople consistently deliver the best value and results. Their practices produce tax revenue and stability to communities while also lowering social service burdens.
Knowledgeable owners and developers avoid using contractors who are are unprincipled and who use misclassified or undocumented workers who are often paid in cash and lack the skills, long-term commitment and support necessary for producing top quality work. They know these second-rate practices not only lead to poor results and hidden costs but also have social consequences in their communities including uncollected taxes, increased social services costs and lower incomes.
What do socially responsible contractors get in return for being responsible?
Do "socially indifferent" or "socially irresponsible" owners, developers and contractors in your community face consequences to their reputation and business?
The issues of Wage Theft and payroll fraud were highlighted in Houston, Texas last week when two leaders on the issues spoke before the Houston City Council. This was part...
Last week we told you about Marvin Mundo and Marciano Cruz, two construction workers who are owed over $11,000 in unpaid wages by a subcontracting company which did renovation...
Marvin Mundo and Marciano Cruz are members of Houston Interfaith Worker Justice Center. They are also parents and hardworking Houstonians who did their fair day's work...
I recently visited the offices and training facilities of Houston’s SER-Jobs for Progress, guided by the executive director of SER, Nory Angel. SER, which means “to be” in...
Anders Lewendal is a homebuilder from Bozeman, Montana who also holds a degree in economics. Last month, on ABC World News with Diane Sawyer, journalist David Muir featured...
The economy in California might be on the upswing, but the construction industry falls short regarding the underground economy and wage theft and insurance fraud for one of the...
Last weekend in Tomball, Texas, a group of construction industry volunteers worked on building a new home for Lance Corporal Daniel Peterson, a Marine veteran who lost both legs...
Last week Indiana became the 23rd state to become a “right to work” state. Congratulations to Governor Daniels and the people of Indiana. Every business should have...
