The Bureau of Labor Statistics recently released its April jobs report, revealing that employment in the construction industry increased by 5,000 jobs (seasonally adjusted). While the economy added 211,000 jobs, total specialty trade employment contracted nominally, shedding 1,500 positions in April.
“While the country’s employment report is promising, the Construction Employers of America is concerned that specialty trade construction employment may be stagnating,” said Jack Jacobson, spokesperson for CEA. “Immediate action by Congress and the Administration on tax reform, repatriation of foreign corporate assets to domestic investment pools, and a public construction infrastructure package will shore up employment in the specialty construction sector and keep employment growing across the country.”
The BLS report did have a bright spot for the specialty construction industry as total residential and nonresidential specialty construction employment is up by 127,000 positions over the same point in 2016. April’s loss of 5,100 nonresidential specialty construction jobs serves as a warning and should spur policymakers to take immediate action.
“Our construction firms stand ready to rebuild America,” continued Jacobson. “CEA members continue to invest in workforce development, training, and robust apprenticeship programs to prepare the next generation of blue collar workers to build critical infrastructure. Federal action today will drive further job growth and employ more Americans that will strengthen the middle class for years to come.”
Related Stories
Industry Research | Jun 22, 2017
ABC's Construction Backlog Indicator rebounds in 2017
The first quarter showed gains in all categories.
Market Data | Jun 21, 2017
Design billings maintain solid footing, strong momentum reflected in project inquiries/design contracts
Balanced growth results in billings gains in all sectors.
Market Data | Jun 16, 2017
Residential construction was strong, but not enough, in 2016
The Joint Center for Housing Studies’ latest report expects minorities and millennials to account for the lion’s share of household formations through 2035.
Industry Research | Jun 15, 2017
Commercial Construction Index indicates high revenue and employment expectations for 2017
USG Corporation (USG) and U.S. Chamber of Commerce release survey results gauging confidence among industry leaders.
Market Data | Jun 2, 2017
Nonresidential construction spending falls in 13 of 16 segments in April
Nonresidential construction spending fell 1.7% in April 2017, totaling $696.3 billion on a seasonally adjusted, annualized basis, according to analysis of U.S. Census Bureau data released today by Associated Builders and Contractors.
Industry Research | May 25, 2017
Project labor agreement mandates inflate cost of construction 13%
Ohio schools built under government-mandated project labor agreements (PLAs) cost 13.12 percent more than schools that were bid and constructed through fair and open competition.
Market Data | May 24, 2017
Design billings increasing entering height of construction season
All regions report positive business conditions.
Market Data | May 24, 2017
The top franchise companies in the construction pipeline
3 franchise companies comprise 65% of all rooms in the Total Pipeline.
Industry Research | May 24, 2017
These buildings paid the highest property taxes in 2016
Office buildings dominate the list, but a residential community climbed as high as number two on the list.
Multifamily Housing | May 10, 2017
May 2017 National Apartment Report
Median one-bedroom rent rose to $1,012 in April, the highest it has been since January.
