Data Bulletin Examines COVID-19 Impact on Workers, Businesses

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The COVID-19 pandemic has hit the construction industry hard, with nearly 1 million workers losing their jobs between March and April. The new issue of the CPWR Data Bulletin focuses on COVID-19’s economic impact on the industry from March to June 2020, including job losses, business closures and medical absences. Among the key findings: About 80% of small construction businesses experienced either a large or moderate negative impact, effects were disproportionately high for Hispanic workers and self-unincorporated workers and absences from work due to personal medical reasons initially rose 70%. This issue also incorporates a new feature — mouse-over definitions … Read more

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AGC Calls for New Infrastructure, Other Relief Measures

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Construction employment decreased in 225, or 62%, out of 358 metro areas between June 2019 and last month despite widespread increases from May to June, according to an analysis of new government data that the Associated General Contractors of America released. Association officials urged government officials to enact liability reform, boost infrastructure investments and extend tax credits to help the industry recover and rebuild. “It’s troubling to see construction employment lagging year-ago levels in most locations, in spite of a strong rebound in May and June,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “Those gains were not enough to erase … Read more

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Lift & Move USA Launches New Website for Students, Educators + Industry Professionals

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The crane, rigging and specialized transportation industry relies on people with technical skills, but faces a shortage of qualified workers. In order to promote the career opportunities in this fast-paced, high-tech sector, Lift & Move USA connects students and educators with the people, equipment and companies that work in crane, rigging and specialized transportation operations. A new website, launched in May 2020, now showcases the careers, industries and types of work related to this specialty field. Additional resources available on the site include information on where to get training, certifications and scholarships. Industry professionals can also find ideas for engaging … Read more

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New Association Survey Finds Mix of Layoffs, Hiring Pickup in May

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Construction employment declined in the District of Columbia and every state except South Dakota in April, an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of new government data shows. At the same time, the association released a new survey that finds that rising project cancellations are forcing many firms to furlough or terminate employees even as federal relief measures help avoid further job losses. Association officials urged Washington officials to act quickly on measures like new infrastructure funding, liability protections for employers and extending the Paycheck Protection Program. “Today’s state employment report shows how widespread—and deep—the job losses have … Read more

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Construction Employment Declines in 99 Metro Areas March 2019-March 2020, Industry Officials Call for New Funding, Says AGC

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Construction employment declined in 99 out of 358 metro areas from March 2019 to last month as the coronavirus pandemic triggered the first shutdown orders and project cancellations, according to an analysis released by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials urged federal and state officials to boost investments in infrastructure to help put more people to work amid rising unemployment levels.   “These new figures foreshadow even larger declines in construction employment throughout the country as the pandemic’s economic damage grows more severe,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “Unfortunately, the data for April and later months … Read more

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