Browse by Date - 201805

CONSTRUCTION SPENDING DROPS TO $1.285 TRILLION IN MARCH FROM FEBRUARY AS PRIVATE-SECTOR DEMAND FOR CONSTRUCTION FALLS AMID TARIFF AND TRADE FEARS

Construction spending hit a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $1.285 trillion in March, down from the month before, but still up compared to a year ago, according to an analysis of new Census data by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials noted that the monthly decline in construction activity came largely from drops in private sector demand as new steel and aluminum tariffs and the price increases they have prompted appear to be impacting demand. 

CONSTRUCTION EMPLOYMENT INCREASES IN 256 METRO AREAS BETWEEN APRIL 2017 & 2018 DESPITE CHALLENGE OF FINDING QUALIFIED WORKERS IN TIGHT JOB MARKET

Construction employment increased in 256 out of 358 metro areas between April 2017 and April 2018, declined in 63 and was unchanged in 39, according to a new analysis of federal employment data released today by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials said that the data showed a continuation of strong labor demand amid shortages of qualified workers.

CONSTRUCTION GROUP USES MOBILE TECHNOLOGY TO MAKE HIGHWAY WORK ZONES SAFER AS MOST ROAD CONTRACTORS EXPERIENCED VEHICLE CRASHES AT WORK SITES

Fifty-four percent of highway contractors reported that motor vehicles had crashed into their construction work zones during the past year, according to the results of a new highway work zone study conducted by the Associated General Contractors of America. In response, association officials have launched a new mobile advertising campaign urging drivers who routinely pass through certain work zones to slow down and be alert.

CONSTRUCTION EMPLOYMENT RISES IN 38 STATES AND D.C. FROM APRIL 2017 TO APRIL 2018 WHILE 29 STATES ADD CONSTRUCTION JOBS FOR THE MONTH

Thirty-eight states and the District of Columbia added construction jobs between April 2017 and April 2018, while 29 states added construction jobs between March and April, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of Labor Department data released today.  Association officials said the employment growth likely would have been higher if firms could find more qualified workers to hire.

CONSTRUCTION EMPLOYMENT INCREASES IN 245 METRO AREAS BETWEEN MARCH 2017 & 2018, AS TRADE FIGHTS & INFRASTRUCTURE FUNDING SHORTFALLS LOOM

Construction employment increased in 245 out of 358 metro areas between March 2017 and March 2018, declined in 67 and stagnated in 46, according to a new analysis of federal employment data released today by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials said that the new figures come amid questions about how a possible trade war and long-term infrastructure funding shortfalls will impact the construction sector.

CONSTRUCTION EMPLOYERS ADD 17,000 JOBS IN APRIL AND 257,000 FOR THE YEAR; HOURLY EARNINGS RISE 3.5 PERCENT AS FIRMS COMPETE FOR TIGHT POOL OF LABOR

Construction employment increased by 17,000 jobs in April and by 257,000 jobs over the past year while firms boosted pay to help recruit new workers, according to an analysis of new government data by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials noted that the increases in pay appear to be attracting more former construction workers back into the job market, but cautioned that labor conditions remain extremely tight.