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Monthly Archives: May 2019

Construction Employment Increases in 250 out of 358 Metro Areas From April 2018 to April 2019 as Demand for Work Outpaces Supply of Workers

May 30, 2019

Construction employment grew in 250 out of 358 metro areas between April 2018 and April 2019, declined in 53 and was unchanged in 55, according to a new analysis of federal employment data released today by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials said construction employment in many parts of the country likely would have been higher if firms could find more qualified workers to hire.

2019 Highway Work Zone Safety Survey

May 23, 2019
 

Annual Symposium Covers the Latest Developments in Construction Labor and Employment

May 20, 2019

The AGC Labor and Employment Law Council (LELC) recently held its 35th Annual Construction Labor Law Symposium in Washington, DC.  Attorneys and labor relations managers from across the country gathered to learn about labor and employment law developments relevant to construction employers.

President's New Immigration Proposal Opens the Door to Expanding the Number of Craft Workers Who Can Legally Enter the Country

May 17, 2019

The chief executive officer of the Associated General Contractors of America, Stephen E. Sandherr, released the following statement in response to the release of the President’s new proposal to allow more immigrations into the country based on merit:

Union Sector Continues to Expect Growth Amid Small but Prevalent Craft Worker Shortages

May 17, 2019

Union contractors, labor representatives, and construction owner-clients alike project strong, stable growth in 2019, report The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC) and the Construction Labor Research Council (CLRC) in their recently released fifth annual Union Craft Labor Supply Study.  At the same time, survey respondents report growing craft labor shortages.  The report shows that craft labor shortages in the union construction and maintenance industries are prevalent – reported in 69 percent of organizations – but are generally small, with 54 percent of respondents estimating a 12.5 percent shortage of craft workers.  About a third of respondents reported no shortage or a surplus of workers.

Contractors Should Prepare for Newly Revived No-Match Letters

May 13, 2019

The Social Security Administration recently resurrected its practice of issuing Employer Correction Request notices – also known as “no-match letters” – when it receives employee information from an employer that does not match its records.  When receiving such a letter, AGC members should consider the taking following seven steps in conjunction with consulting with their employment counsel.

Trump Administration Adds 30,000 H-2B Seasonal Guestworker Visa

May 9, 2019

On May 6th, Acting Secretary of Homeland Security Kevin K. McAleenan announced that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Labor (DOL) will make an additional 30,000 H-2B temporary nonagricultural worker visas available for Fiscal Year 2019. These supplemental H-2B visas are available only to returning workers who received an H-2B visa, or were otherwise granted H-2B status, during one of the last three fiscal years (FY 2016, 2017, or 2018), and availability is restricted by prioritizing only those businesses who would suffer irreparable harm without the additional workers. Final details on the increase in H-2B Nonimmigrant Visas for FY 2019 can now be found here.

Construction Jobs Increase by 33,000 in April and 256,000 Over 12 Months as Industry Unemployment Rate Falls to 4.7 Percent, Lowest Ever for April

May 3, 2019

Construction employment increased by 33,000 jobs in April and by 256,000 or 3.5 percent, over the past 12 months, while the number of unemployed jobseekers with construction fell to a record low for April, according to an analysis of new government data by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials said the unavailability of experienced construction workers underscores the importance of including initiatives to expand opportunities for construction careers as part of infrastructure funding legislation.

Construction Employment Increases in 218 Metros from March 2018 to March 2019 as Nonresidential, Multifamily Spending Grow Despite Decline in Homebuilding

May 1, 2019

Construction employment grew in 218, or 61 percent, out of 358 metro areas between March 2018 and March 2019, declined in 83 (23 percent) and was unchanged in 57, according to a new analysis of federal employment data released today by the Associated General Contractors of America. Meanwhile, new federal data on construction spending showed mixed results, as a steep decline in single-family homebuilding offset increases in multifamily and nonresidential construction.

Quick Action Needed on Agreement Between President Trump and Top Democrats to Pass a $2 Trillion Package

May 1, 2019

The chief executive officer of the Associated General Contractors of America, Stephen E. Sandherr, issued the following statement in reaction to the agreement between President Trump, Speaker Pelosi and Minority Leader Schumer to Pass a $2 Trillion Infrastructure Package:

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