Analysis of Contractor Surveys Shows Construction Workforce Shortage is Disproportionately Impacting Nonunion Firms

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A review of 2018-21 Associated General Contractors of America surveys of more than 5,000 member firms nationwide reveals that nonunion construction firms are facing significantly greater workforce supply problems than their union counterparts. These problems preceded the COVID-19 pandemic. The surveys, which include responses from 1,768 union contractors and 3,893 nonunion contractors, were analyzed by researchers from the nonpartisan Illinois Economic Policy Institute and the Project for Middle Class Renewal at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. The Associated General Contractors of America represents more than 27,000 construction firms nationally. It releases its topline survey data each September and, since … Read more

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Choate Construction Company Named Nation’s Safest Construction Company by AGC

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Choate Construction Company was recognized for having the nation’s best construction safety and wellness plan in 2021 by the Associated General Contractors of America. The association, which oversees the WTW Construction Safety Excellence Awards, an annual ranking of construction safety programs, noted that 46 other companies were also selected as winners for the quality of their safety programs. Choate Construction was judged and selected as the grand award winner from among 15 first-place winners across six occupational divisions. The firm developed and implemented exceptional safety and risk control program through continuous improvement and maintenance of its safety and health management … Read more

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Input Prices for Nonresidential Construction Climb 21% between March 2021, March 2022

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Prices of materials and services used in new nonresidential construction jumped more than 21% from March 2021 to March 2022, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of government data. “Construction firms have been burdened with cost increases of 20% per year or more since early 2021,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “Since contractors can seldom pass along increases on projects that are underway, these extreme price hikes threaten the viability of many firms. Unfortunately, the continuing war in Ukraine is likely to keep input costs elevated for many more months, if not longer.” … Read more

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AGC Reports 3/4 of Metro Areas Add Construction Jobs January 2021-2022, Soaring Job Openings Indicate Lack of Workers Kept Employment Totals Down

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Construction employment increased in nearly three out of four U.S. metro areas in January compared to a year ago, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of new government employment data. Association officials welcomed the widespread job gains but cautioned that contractors in many areas are having trouble finding enough qualified workers to return to pre-pandemic levels amid tight labor market conditions. “Construction employment is now increasing in most areas after a rough first year of the pandemic,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “But contractors recently have had more unfilled positions at the end … Read more

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Construction Spending Rose in January from December, January 2021, Reports AGC

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Construction spending increased in January compared to both December and a year ago, with strong gains in private nonresidential and residential construction but mixed results for public spending, according to an analysis of federal spending data the Associated General Contractors of America. Association leaders urged Washington officials to speed the award of funds promised by the Bipartisan Infrastructure law. “Private nonresidential construction, especially for manufacturing plants, has rebounded sharply in recent months, while demand for housing remains strong,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “But public projects have yet to grow consistently.” Construction spending in January totaled $1.68 trillion … Read more

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