In Maryland, Perez worked against the misclassification of workers as independent contractors and was a driving force behind the state's 2009 Workplace Fraud Act, which included tougher penalties for misclassification, according to the IBEW.

Tom Owens, spokesman for the AFL-CIO Building and Construction Trades Dept., says he hopes Perez continues to address  misclassification of workers, “which is a huge problem in the construction industry.” Owens says the BCTD also is hopeful that Perez, if confirmed, would work with union groups on apprenticeship issues and ensuring that prevailing-wage laws are enforced.

Some construction associations are taking a wait-and-see approach toward Perez. Mike Kennedy, the Associated General Contractors of America's general counsel, says, “On first impression, Mr. Perez has little experience with the issues of greatest concern to the construction industry.” 

Kennedy says Perez’s resume suggests that in his professional career he has been dealing with “bad actor” employers.“We certainly hope that that doesn’t color his view of the business community as a whole and that he has an open mind,” Kennedy says.

Kennedy adds that one area where AGC could find some common ground with Perez is on immigration issues. AGC has long supported comprehensive immigration reform.