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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AGC Reports Construction Employment Increases in February, Industry’s Unemployment Rate Sets New Low

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Construction employment increased by 42,000 jobs in February and by 223,000 or 3% over the past 12 months, as the industry’s unemployment rate hit a new February low, according to an analysis of new government data by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials said some of the gains were attributable to mild winter weather in many parts of the country last month but added that the main reason for the gains was strong demand for construction services. “Contractors are off to a fast start in 2020, adding 91,000 jobs in the first two months—the most in nearly two … Read more

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Pandemic Halts or Delays Projects for 28% of Contractors, Survey Finds

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The coronavirus pandemic has caused more than one out of four contractors to halt or delay work on projects, according to a survey released by the Associated General Contractors of America. The survey results show how quickly market conditions have changed compared to data showing a majority of metro areas added construction jobs through January. Association officials noted that a relief bill the Senate is considering includes some favorable tax and loan provisions. But they said the bill also needs new infrastructure investments and improvements to the new paid sick and family medical leave measures. “The coronavirus pandemic has the … Read more

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