Administration officials significantly underestimated the cost to construction employers of proposed new hiring quotas for federal contractors according to a new analysis released by the Associated General Contractors of America. According to the analysis, a proposed new hiring quota for the disabled would cost employers 30 times more than officials predict, while a new hiring quota for veterans would cost employers 20 times more than originally estimated. “The administration has grossly underestimated the financial and administrative burdens that these new rules would impose, particularly on small businesses,” said Brian Turmail, the association's spokesperson. “If the proposed rules take effect, many … Read more

Construction employment declined in 157 out of 337 metropolitan areas between April 2011 and April 2012, increased in 120 and stayed level in 60, according to a new analysis of federal employment data released by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials said construction employment continues to suffer from relatively weak demand being driven largely by declines in public sector investments. “As public investments in infrastructure and other forms of construction continue to decline, construction employment is taking a hit in many parts of the country,” said Ken Simonson, the association's chief economist. “Even in places where construction employment … Read more

COCONUT CREEK, Fla. — The nation’s construction industry unemployment rate fell to 14.5 percent, down from 17.2 percent in March and 17.8 percent in April, according to the May 4 employment report by the U.S. Labor Department. Year over year, the construction industry has added 63,000 jobs or 1.1 percent. “The nation’s economy has managed to regain some semblance of momentum since last September, which should ultimately translate into better news for the construction industry,” said ABC Chief Economist Anirban Basu. The nonresidential building construction sector has added 6,000 jobs, a 0.9 percent increase year-over-year as April employment stood at … Read more