Year-to-Date Collective Bargaining Yields Average 1st-Year Wage and Benefits Increase of 2.3%

Collective bargaining settlements reported to the Construction Labor Research Council (CLRC) between January and June of this year resulted in an average first-year wage-and-benefits increase of $1.15 or 2.3 percent.  This average is higher than the $0.98 or 1.9 percent average reported at the same time last year and the $0.55 or 1.1 percent average reported two years ago.  The number of settlements that included no increase in first-year wages and benefits remained steady from last year, according to CLRC’s latest Wage and Benefit Settlements Report, and was considerably fewer than the number reported in 2010. The recent trend toward settlements for shorter durations continues, with 42 percent of contracts lasting only one year.  Where multi-year terms were negotiated, the average second-year increase was $1.42 or 2.6 percent, and the average third-year increase was $1.34 or 2.6 percent.  This compares to an average second-year increase of $1.36 or 2.5 percent, and an average third-year increase of $1.58 or 2.7 percent reported during the same period last year. The report covers 83 settlements, with the majority (51) coming from the East North Central Region.  That region covers Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. The report provides merely an early indication of 2012 bargaining results.  It will be followed by reports in September and December with more information as more collective bargaining negotiations are concluded. To view the complete report, visit the Labor & HR Topical Resources page of AGC's website at www.agc.org/labor/topicalresources.  Select "Collective Bargaining" from the first pull-down menu and "Collective Bargaining Agreement Data" from the second. For a searchable database of collectively bargained wage and fringe benefit rates provided by CLRC, go to www.agc.org/cbrates.  The database is updated semi-annually. Collective bargaining AGC Chapters are reminded to kindly send all settlements information to CLRC promptly upon completion.  Information may be submitted by e-mail at clrc@clrc.biz, by fax to (202) 347-8442, or by mail to 1750 New York Ave., NW, Washington, DC  20006.