Update On Biden Administration's Vaccine Mandate

Words: Jeff Buczkiewicz

UPDATE 11/23/2021: We are waiting on a ruling from the Sixth Circuit Court. In the event they decide to agree with the Fifth Circuit and continue to stay the rule, we will keep monitoring the situation. Should the Sixth Circuit Court decide to enforce the rule, the MCAA will be providing Vaccination and Regular Testing Policies for our members.

A three-judge panel upheld the stay of the Vaccination Mandate issued by OSHA a week ago.  The three-judge panel cited irreparable harm if it were not held up and the rule was eventually overturned. The panel also felt the rule had a good chance of being overruled as there were concerns about the administration doing a 180 from its previous determination on both vaccines and on why an ETS was not necessary without giving a detailed explanation for the flip flop.  

In addition, the panel was concerned about the constitutionality authority under the Commerce Clause and threatens states’ power under the 10th amendment. The court further notes that the ETS is noneconomic activity, which means it falls within the States’ powers. They also noted they did not feel OSHA had the authority to create such a mandate. Likely the rule will be appealed to a full appellate court. If that court concurs, it will likely be headed for the Supreme Court. 

Stay tuned for additional updates.  

Lake Erie Brick Listing Highlights The Long-Term Value Of Well-Maintained Masonry
February 2026

A Cleveland.com “House of the Week” feature spotlights a 1932 brick home near Lake Erie with a $1.59 million asking price. For mason contractors, it is another reminder that brick exteriors can be a premium selling point, but only when the masonry is care

Stone Cladding Panels Forecast Signals More Stone Veneer Work For US Mason Contractors
February 2026

A new IndexBox market update says demand for stone cladding panels is expected to accelerate through 2035, fueled by a broader construction upswing. For US mason contractors who install stone veneer, that points to more opportunity, but also more pressure

New Cavity Fire Barrier Guidance Puts Masonry Wall Safety In The Spotlight
February 2026

A masonry trade group has launched a new Technical Committee and released its first guidance focused on cavity fire barriers. For mason contractors, it is a timely reminder that fire performance details in cavity wall construction deserve the same attenti

The Practicality Behind Cavity Walls
February 2026

The construction industry tends to chase certainty. We want walls that never leak, materials that never move, and systems that behave the same in the field as they do on paper. Every generation pushes for a tighter envelope, a thinner assembly, or a smart