New Monthly Job Loss Data Foreshadows More Layoffs Amid Project Cancellations, State Cutbacks, Reports AGC

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Construction employment declined in 20 states and D.C. in March, aligning with the results of a recent survey by the Associated General Contractors of America that found growing layoffs amid new project cancellations and state funding constraints. Association officials warned that these cancellations mean massive job losses are likely to occur soon in even more states unless Congress helps cover rapidly declining state revenues, adds funding for Paycheck Protection Program loans and takes other measures to help the industry recover. “While construction employment declined in many parts of the country last month, far more states, local governments and project owners … Read more

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Construction Firms Plan Nationwide Coronavirus Safety Stand Down April 9

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On Thursday, April 9, hundreds of construction firms across the country will stop work and hold coronavirus-focused safety stand downs as part of a nationwide safety campaign organized by the Associated General Contractors of America. During the stand downs, crews will stop work, break into small, socially distanced groups and reinforce the new safety procedures and practices that all construction workers must follow to protect themselves and the public from the spread of the coronavirus. The primary objective of the safety stand downs is to protect workers and the public amid the COVID-19 outbreak. However, several of the participating firms … Read more

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New Survey Finds Sharp Jump in Owners Canceling, Delaying Construction Projects Putting Jobs at Risk

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Thirty-nine percent of contractors report that project owners have halted or canceled current construction projects amid deteriorating economic conditions, according to a survey released by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials warned that these cancellations mean massive job losses are likely soon unless Congress passes targeted recovery measures to boost infrastructure funding, compensate firms for lost or delayed federally funded work and provide needed pension relief. The project cancellations are particularly severe in light of new data showing that 42 states added construction jobs through February. “The abrupt plunge in economic activity is taking a swift and severe … Read more

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Autodesk, AGC Equip Women in Construction with Right-Fitting Safety Harnesses

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Autodesk Construction Solutions and the Associated General Contractors of America are awarding grants to 21 construction firms to provide more than 300 fall protection safety harnesses designed for women. The grants are designed to address one of the most significant safety hazards for construction craft professionals and recruit more women into high-paying construction careers. “We recognize the need for more women to join the construction industry to help fill the labor gap, and keeping them as safe as possible must be top priority,” said Allison Scott, director at Autodesk Construction Solutions. “For 300 women in construction, AGC and Autodesk are … Read more

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February Rise in Construction Outlays Contrasts with Pandemic-Drive Collapse in March, AGC Says

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Construction spending in February increased 6% from February 2019, with year-over-year gains in both residential and nonresidential outlays, according to a new analysis of federal data released by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials cautioned that their latest survey shows conditions for contractors have deteriorated rapidly since February. They called on Congress to urgently pass targeted recovery measures to boost infrastructure funding, compensate firms for lost or delayed federally funded work, and provide needed pension relief. “Spending in February declined 1.3% from an upwardly revised, exceptionally strong pace in January that was aided by unusually mild winter weather … Read more

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