Jobs Decline in Construction Sector for First Time in More than Two Years, Says ABC

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According to a recent analysis by the Associated Builders and Contractors of data released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the construction industry lost 31,000 net new jobs in February. Overall, nonresidential employment decreased by 20,400 net new positions compared to January, with losses split between nonresidential building (-3,000), heavy and civil engineering (-13,200) and nonresidential specialty contractors (-4,200). However, industry employment is up 223,000 jobs since February 2018, an increase of 3.1 percent. Unemployment in the construction industry dropped slightly to 6.2 percent, down 0.2 percentage points from January. On a year-over-year basis, unemployment is 1.6 percentage points … Read more

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Large Job Gain in January, Association Survey Shows Ongoing Demand But Workers Hard to Find

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Construction employment decreased by 31,000 jobs in February as extreme winter weather gripped much of the nation. However, continuing year-over-year employment and wage increases that exceed those in other industries suggest there has been no letup in demand for projects, according to an analysis of new government data by the Associated General Contractors of America. “The decline in construction employment in February follows an oversized increase in January of 53,000 employees,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “That suggests contractors may have been able to bring workers on board sooner than normal and had less need to hire in … Read more

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Construction Employment Climbs by 52K in January to 11-Year Peak

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Construction employment increased by 52,000 jobs in January and by 338,000 jobs, or 4.7 percent, over the past year, while the latest reading on construction spending showed moderate increases in all major categories, according to an analysis of new government data by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials urged government officials to strengthen career and technical education programs and facilitate immigration for workers with construction skills before a worker shortage stalls completion of needed infrastructure. “There has been no letup in demand for construction projects—or workers,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “Even though the industry added … Read more

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Pre-Apprentices Join Construction Team at Cook County Hospital Redevelopment

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A group of Chicagoans will have an opportunity to begin new careers and be part of a historic transformation that will reenergize a community and reshape the medical district on the city’s Near West Side. Seven new pre-apprentices were recently welcomed into the old Cook County Hospital redevelopment team by Alderman Walter Burnett Jr. (27th Ward), Alderman Jason Ervin (28th Ward), Murphy Development Group, MB Real Estate, The Target Group and Walsh Construction. After a series of applications and interviews, these individuals were chosen to participate in a program that will provide industry-based training and preparation for individuals to succeed … Read more

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Walsh Construction Completes Renovation of CTA Garfield Green Line Station, Exceeds Hiring Goals

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One of Chicago, Illinois’ oldest transit stations has received a complete makeover via the Chicago Transit Authority, Walsh Construction and a diverse local workforce. Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel and CTA President Dorval Carter joined community members and project leaders to officially mark the completion of renovations at the Garfield Green Line Station in Chicago’s Washington Park neighborhood. The $25-million project rehabilitated and reconfigured the station, operation station house and the historic station house, which dates back to the Columbian Exposition of 1892. The station features elevator and escalator improvements, new cladding on the elevator towers, a tactile edge and canopy … Read more

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