Labor Group Endorses 'Carve-Out,' Other Bills

The United Labor Legislative Committee endorsed legislation providing for workers' compensation program "carve-outs" for employers and labor organizations in the construction industry. House Bill 1593 by Rep. Mike Villarreal, D-San Antonio, and HB 2166 by Rep. Kevin Bailey, D-Houston, would set up a pilot program for alternative agreements between an employer and a labor union that would allow for bargaining of the terms of workers' compensation outside the current workers' compensation statute. The Texas AFL-CIO reported some construction employers and unions "are eager to try an altern...