Construction Firms Continue to Boost Pay to Attract Limited Pool of Available, Qualified Workers

  • Posted on

Construction employment increased by 4,000 jobs in July and by 202,000, or 2.8%, over the past 12 months, while the number of unemployed jobseekers with construction experience rose, according to an analysis of new government data by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials noted that many firms likely would have added more employees last month if more were available. “Job gains in construction have slowed markedly in recent months but the industry is still increasing employment nearly twice as much as other employers,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “The recent slowdown in hiring and construction spending … Read more

Filed under: Economic News, eNewsTagged with: , , ,

Construction Spending Deteriorates in June, Multifamily + Nonresidential Categories Increase First Half 2019

  • Posted on

Construction spending declined in June from May 2019 and June 2018 levels, but most categories other than single-family homebuilding ended the first half of the year ahead of the year-to-date totals for 2018, according to a recent analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of new federal spending data. Association officials said that the monthly declines in construction spending may reflect the fact contractors are having a difficult time finding enough workers to keep pace with demand. “Although the initial estimates for spending in June show decreases from May in all major categories, the first half of 2019 as … Read more

Filed under: Economic NewsTagged with: , , , , ,

Construction Employment Data Demonstrates Need for New Career, Technical Educational Programs

  • Posted on

Forty-two states added construction jobs between June 2018 and June 2019, while construction employment increased in 30 states from May to June, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of Labor Department data released recently. Association officials said the new construction employment data demonstrates the need for new federal investments in career and technical education programs, along with immigration reform. “Construction demand remains robust across most states, and contractors continue to add workers when they can find them,” stated chief economist Ken Simonson. “But contractors are struggling to find all the workers they need in many … Read more

Filed under: Economic NewsTagged with: , , , ,

Construction Jobs Increase by 21K in June, 224K during Past Year as Sector Unemployment Rate Decreases to 4%

  • Posted on

Construction employment increased by 21,000 jobs in June and by 224,000, or 3.2%, over the past 12 months, while the number of unemployed jobseekers with construction experience fell, according to an analysis of new government data by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials noted that firms continue to increase pay as they work to attract new hires from an ever-tighter labor market. “Construction firms continue to go to great lengths to recruit and retain workers during one of the tightest labor markets many of them have ever experienced,” said Stephen E. Sandherr, the association’s CEO. “Making matters worse, … Read more

Filed under: Economic NewsTagged with: , ,

AGC Launches Campaign to Alert Summer Motorists to Slow Down + Remain Alert in Construction Work Zones

  • Posted on

67% of highway contractors report that motor vehicles had crashed into their construction work zones during the past year, according to the results of a new highway work zone study conducted by the Associated General Contractors of America. In response, association officials have launched a new radio and media campaign urging drivers to slow down and remain alert in highway work zones. “There are simply too many cars crashing into too many work zones, putting too many lives at risk,” said Brian Turmail, the association’s national spokesman. “That is why we are launching a nationwide outreach effort designed to better … Read more

Filed under: eNews, SafetyTagged with: , , ,