Missing Links | Untangling the Supply Chain

Originally posted on constructionexec.com | By Sam Barnes All things being equal, the supply-chain problems that seem to be touching every sector, industry and sphere of life in the United States could ease up later this year. If the economy works the way it usually does, the production of goods and materials will ramp up […]

Nonresidential Construction Adds 11,300 Jobs in March

Originally posted on contractormag.com  The construction industry added 19,000 jobs on net in March, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of data released today by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. After 23 months of recovery, construction employment has at last exceeded pre-pandemic levels. On a year-over-year basis, industry employment has expanded by […]

More inflation, recession ahead: construction economist

Originally posted on constructiondive.com | by By Joe Bousquin Dive Brief: Commodity prices will come down before the end of 2022 but supply chain issues will persist for years and a recession is on the horizon in 2023, a leading construction economist predicted. In a James Bond-themed presentation titled “No Time to Buy,” Associated Builders […]

ABC: Nonresidential construction spending dips in February 2022

Originally posted on pitandquarry.com | by By Jack Kopanski National nonresidential construction spending was down 0.1 percent in February, according to an Associated Builders & Contractors (ABC) analysis of U.S. Census Bureau data. On a seasonally adjusted annualized basis, nonresidential spending totaled $844.5 billion for the month. Spending was down on a monthly basis in 10 of […]

Judge Reinstates Trump Independent Contractor Rule Withdrawn by Biden

Originally posted on insurancejournal.com A federal judge in Texas has nixed the Biden Department of Labor’s withdrawal of a Trump administration rule governing whether a worker is an employee or an independent contractor. U.S. District Court Judge Marcia A. Crone reinstated the Trump independent contractor rule, finding that the DOL violated federal administrative procedures in […]

ABC’s National Craft Championships to be Held March 16

Originally posted on contractormag.com NCC highlights the career opportunities that construction can provide. More than 175 of the nation’s best carpenters, electricians, pipefitters, plumbers, welders and other construction craft professionals are set to compete in San Antonio on March 16 in Associated Builders and Contractors’ 33rd annual National Craft Championships. ABC’s NCC recognizes the men and […]

ABC: Construction Industry Faces Workforce Shortage of 650,000 in 2022

Originally posted on constructionbusinessowner.com The construction industry will need to attract nearly 650,000 additional workers on top of the normal pace of hiring in 2022 to meet the demand for labor, according to a model developed by Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC). “ABC’s 2022 workforce shortage analysis sends a message loud and clear: The construction industry desperately […]

No Agreement On Project Labor Agreement Order

By Tom Zind | Originally posted on ecmweb.com Biden EO mandating PLAs on $35 million and up federal construction projects draws ire and applause. Long controversial construction project labor agreements (PLAs) are back in the news with President Biden’s recent executive order requiring them on more federal projects, clashing with vigorous responses by construction industry interests. The […]

ABC Says Infrastructure Act Will Worsen Industry’s Labor Crunch

By Pam McFarland | Originally posted on enr.com Covid-19 has caused major disruptions in the construction workforce, and the expected infusion of funds from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) will further pinch contractors’ ability to find enough workers to complete projects, according to the Associated Builders and Contractors. According to a newly released […]

Construction associations ask Congress to support Fair and Open Competition Act

WASHINGTON — Associated Builders and Contractors and a coalition of 19 associations and organizations representing the construction industry and business community sent a letter to Congress expressing support for the Fair and Open Competition Act (S. 403/H.R. 1284), sponsored by Sen. Todd Young, R-Ind., and Rep. Ted Budd, R-N.C, and strong opposition to government-mandated project […]