Construction Employers of America (CEA) Submit Comments on DOL Proposed Davis Bacon Act Modernization

May 20, 2022 TAUC | NMAPC

Washington, DC - May 17, 2022 CEA submitted to the Department of Labor public comments on a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) on Updating Davis-Bacon and Related Acts (RIN 1235-AA40), which contains the most sweeping revisions to the rules governing Davis-Bacon Act enforcement since the Reagan Administration last reformed the rules in 1982. The rule, which applies to federal construction contracts of more than $2,000, is designed to ensure that Davis-Bacon rates reflect actual local wages paid to workers in their local communities.

The CEA’s comments enthusiastically supports many of the revisions included in the Proposed DBA Rule, including:

Definition of “Prevailing Wage” - returning to the 30-percent rule is consistent with the legislative text and the DOL’s longstanding interpretation of “prevailing wage.”
Definition and scope of project reforms - modernized definitions will clarify applicability of the Davis-Bacon Act.
Federal Project Data - using Federal Project Data will be helpful in calculating “prevailing wage”
Use and effectiveness of wage determinations - incorporating most-recent wage determinations into any contract ensures that the text and purpose of the Davis-Bacon Act is effectuated.
Periodic adjustments to non-collectively bargained prevailing wage rates - proposed rule would ensure that non-collectively bargained rates are regularly updated
“Flow-down” requirements and responsibility for compliance - the mandatory "flow-down” requirement effectuates the text and purpose of the Davis-Bacon Act
Debarment - the proposed DBA rule clarifies the debarment standards and procedures.
Misclassifying construction workers as independent contractors - the proposed DBA rule makes clear that an employment relationship is not required
Enhanced recordkeeping requirements - recordkeeping amendments reinforce the Davis-Bacon Act’s requirements
Anti-retaliation - anti-retaliation
Requiring Federal Agencies to report planned construction - requiring Federal Agencies to report planned construction allows the DOL to plan for appropriate wage determinations
Post-Award determinations - it is appropriate to adopt the correct or omitted wage determinations via supplemental agreement or change order
Definition of “area” for project spanning multiple counties
Adoption of State/Local prevailing wage determinations for Federal prevailing wage
“Contract,” “Contractor,” “Prime Contractor,” “Subcontractor,” and “Trainee” Definitions
Apprentices - must adhere to the apprentice wage rate and ratio standards of the locality in which the project is situated
Publication of general wage determinations and procedures for requesting project wage determinations
Scope of geographic consideration in making wage determinations - eliminating the antiquated distinctions are necessary to ensure that the text and purpose of the Davis-Bacon Act are effectuated
Frequently conformed rates
Payment of back wages
Annualized fringe benefits
“Operation of law” provision
Withholding and cross-withholding

In conclusion, CEA encourages the DOL to quickly implement the changes to the Davis-Bacon Act outliend above before the large infrastructure projects are largely released.

Construction Employers of America (CEA) Statement on Proposed Reversal of Industry-Recognized Apprenticeship Programs

November 19, 2021 TAUC | NMAPC

Washington, D.C. – On November 15, 2021, the Biden Administration and the U.S. Department of Labor issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on a proposal to eliminate the Industry-Recognized Apprenticeship Program (IRAPs) created under the previous administration.

The Construction Employers of America (CEA) applauds the Biden Administration, Labor Secretary Marty Walsh, and the U.S. Department of Labor for moving to end IRAPs. While the IRAP rule exempted the construction industry, the existence of the IRAP Rule left the possibility of this exemption being withdrawn and IRAPs entering construction in the future. The creation of parallel apprenticeship systems could have potentially undermined existing privately funded Registered Apprenticeship Programs and the “gold standard” joint labor-management Registered Apprenticeship model that has increased safety, skills, and productivity in the construction industry for more than 80 years.

Rescinding the IRAP rule will help ensure the proven joint labor-management registered apprenticeship programs will be positioned to meet the workforce and career development goals of the Administration‘s Infrastructure and Build Back Better initiatives.

CEA looks forward to the final rule being published and will continue to ensure that all Registered Apprenticeship Programs are promoted and utilized.

CEA Applauds House for Passing Historic Infrastructure Bill

November 8, 2021 TAUC | NMAPC

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On November 5, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the $1.2 trillion “Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act,” by a bipartisan vote of 228-206. The legislation includes $550 billion in new federal investments in America’s infrastructure and will add an estimated two million jobs per year to the national economy. The bill passed the Senate in August and now heads to President Biden for signature.

The Construction Employers of America (CEA) is encouraged and thankful for the work of Congress and President Biden to pass a comprehensive infrastructure package that will ensure public buildings, schools, water systems, airports, transit and surface transportation networks can meet the demands of the 21st century.

The nation’s construction industry and the quality contracting firms the CEA represents stand ready to provide stable employment opportunities to our partners in the building trades while maintaining and strengthening the important joint labor-management pension and health and welfare funds they have come to rely on.

The skilled workers employed by CEA member contractors are prepared to build, repair and retrofit these future infrastructure projects to ensure our nation and economy can compete internationally.

We look forward to President Biden signing this bill into law.

Senate Finance Committee Releases Comprehensive Multiemployer Reform Proposal

November 22, 2019 TAUC | NMAPC

Washington, DC - November 22, 2019 - Senate Finance Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Senate HELP Committee Chairman Lamar Alexander (R-TN) this week released their comprehensive multiemployer pension reform proposal. Summarized in a white paper entitled “Multiemployer Pension Recapitalization and Reform Plan,” the proposal tackles all facets of the crisis in the multiemployer system. By comparison, the House-passed Butch Lewis Act provided a solution only for failing plans and its passage in the Senate was highly doubtful.

CEA believes putting solutions on the table is the best way for Democrats and Republicans to work with each other, and stakeholders, to find common ground. CEA employers continue to emphasize that prompt, careful action is required to avoid employer exits and bankruptcies. CEA continues to press for modernizing the system by authorizing the use of Composite Plans by labor and management trustees of jointly administered plans in the exercise of their best fiduciary judgment.

CEA will be evaluating and commenting on the proposal and working with Members of Congress to ensure any final proposal addresses the concerns of construction industry plan stakeholders.

A summary of the White Paper can be found here and an extensive technical explanation can be found here.

Unemployment Rate Falls to 3.7%, Tightening Job Markets - Construction Industry Adds 23,000 Positions in September

October 5, 2018 TAUC | NMAPC

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 5, 2018

Contact: Jack Jacobson
jack.jacobson@constructionemployersofamerica.com
202-637- 6820 (w); 202-251- 7644 (c)

Unemployment Rate Falls to 3.7%, Tightening Job Markets
Construction Industry Adds 23,000 Positions in September

Washington, DC – The Bureau of Labor Statistics today released September’s employment data; the 134,000 jobs added to payrolls nationwide fell far short of expectations. Construction employment growth continued, adding 23,000 positions, primarily in the specialty construction sector.

“This remarkable period of job growth has now stretched to a full eight years,” said Jack Jacobson, spokesperson for Construction Employers of America. “The unemployment rate has once again fallen, constraining the labor market for the construction industry. Simply put, our contractors in many markets are struggling to find adequate numbers of highly trained and skilled trades workers to meet their customers’ needs.”

Total construction employment increased to 7,286,000 positions, including 4,640,800 positions in the specialty construction sector. Of the 23,000 construction jobs added in September, 9,300 were in the non-residential sector. Construction employment has grown for six consecutive months.

“The federal government should take advantage of this remarkable economy by investing in workforce development, modernizing the multiemployer pension system, and cracking down on worker misclassification,” continued Jacobson. “Construction Employers of America’s members continue to fund and operate accredited apprenticeship programs that are the best in the business and which provide pay and benefits to apprentices. With a constrained labor market, these incentives are a critical tool for attracting new talent and retaining skilled construction employees.”

CEA’s seven employer associations include FCA International, International Council of Employers of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers, Mechanical Contractors Association of America, National Electrical Contractors Association, Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning Contractors National Association, Signatory Wall and Ceiling Contractors Alliance, and The Association of Union Constructors. Our impact on the American economy is significant. We represent over 15,000 employers and 1.4 million employees nationwide. More information about CEA and our issues can be found online at www.constructionemployersofamerica.com.

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Construction Employment Continues Slow Growth - Unemployment Remains Unchanged at 3.9%

September 7, 2018 TAUC | NMAPC

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 7, 2018

Contact: Jack Jacobson
jack.jacobson@constructionemployersofamerica.com
202-637- 6820 (w); 202-251- 7644 (c)

Construction Employment Continues Slow Growth
Unemployment Remains Unchanged at 3.9%

Washington, DC – A report today from the Bureau of Labor Statistics revealed a fifth consecutive month of slow growth in the construction industry. The economy added 201,000 jobs in August, with construction employers adding 23,000 of those positions. Total construction employment rose to 7,259,000 positions nationally.

“The strong economy continues to provide new opportunities for individuals employed in the construction and particularly the specialty construction industry,” said Jack Jacobson, spokesperson for Construction Employers of America. “Specialty construction employment remains resilient in no small part due to our members’ investment in accredited apprenticeship programs and the high-quality construction our members delivery to their customers.”

Specialty construction firms added 15,300 jobs in August, including 6,600 positions in the nonresidential sector. Construction employment overall has increased by nearly 300,000 positions over the year.

“Construction employment continues steady growth in spite of government inaction and reduced investments in basic and critical infrastructure,” continued Jacobson. “The federal government’s investment in infrastructure in the second quarter of 2018 was at its lowest level in relation to gross domestic product since the 1940s, dropping below 1.4% of GDP. Our economy cannot continue to grow without the federal government meeting its obligation to fund roads, bridges, and related infrastructure that can unlock a tidal wave of economic activity that will benefit employees and employers alike.”

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Construction Employment Grows by 19,000 Positions in July - Additional Indicators Point to Potential Economic Weaknesses

August 3, 2018 TAUC | NMAPC

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 3, 2018

Contact: Jack Jacobson
jack.jacobson@constructionemployersofamerica.com
202-637- 6820 (w); 202-251- 7644 (c)

Construction Employment Grows by 19,000 Positions in July
Additional Indicators Point to Potential Economic Weaknesses

Washington, DC – The Bureau of Labor Statistics today released the country’s July employment data, revealing a modest drop in the unemployment rate to 3.9% while adding 157,000 positions. The construction industry continued to be a major economic and employment driver, adding 19,000 positions; the majority of construction job growth was in the specialty construction industry.

“While the Construction Employers of America is pleased with this month’s employment data showing specialty construction gains for the fourth month in a row, there are a number of indicators that reveal weakness in the construction market,” said Jack Jacobson, spokesperson for the Construction Employers of America. “Publicly-funded construction has dropped significantly, including a 3.5% reduction in government spending on construction in June, according to the Department of Commerce. Federal investment in infrastructure across the board is critical to the health of the construction industry and the American economy.”

Spending on all U.S. construction projects fell 1.1% in June, including a major drop in government-funded school construction, which fell 11%. Overall, nonresidential construction starts have fallen 5.5% over the same time period last year. Funding reductions have not yet translated into employment losses; in July, nonresidential specialty construction added 8,600 positions.

“The decline in federal and local government construction investment is going to have real ramifications in the construction industry,” continued Jacobson. “Employment in the construction industry cannot continue uninterrupted growth with private sector investments alone. President Trump made infrastructure investment a cornerstone of his campaign. CEA and our members urge the President to work with Congress to enact a major infrastructure package that provides long-term investments in public infrastructure projects.”

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Unemployment Rises; Construction Employment Stagnant; Overall Employment Grew by 213,000 Positions

July 6, 2018 TAUC | NMAPC

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 6, 2018

Contact: Jack Jacobson
jack.jacobson@constructionemployersofamerica.com
202-637- 6820 (w); 202-251- 7644 (c)

Unemployment Rises; Construction Employment Stagnant
Overall Employment Grew by 213,000 Positions

Washington, DC – The Bureau of Labor Statistics today released its June employment situation report, revealing an increase in the unemployment rate to 4.0%, up from 3.8% in May, with the economy adding 213,000 jobs. The construction industry added only 13,000 positions, a disappointing increase in an otherwise strong jobs report that saw more people entering the workforce.

“Once again, the construction industry is not benefitting proportionally from national job gains,” said Jack Jacobson, spokesperson for the Construction Employers of America. “Specialty construction employment has risen less than half a percent since February, during our peak spring and summer construction months, lagging behind other sectors of the economy. The Trump Administration and Congress need to work to directly fund construction projects and spur private sector investment in infrastructure and building construction.”

Total construction grew by 13,000 positions in June, led by building construction and heavy and civil engineering. Specialty construction added 3,200 jobs, including 2,700 positions in non-residential specialty construction. The Construction Employers of America’s members focus primarily on non-residential specialty construction.

“Construction employment is holding steady, but not making the gains we would expect in a strong and growing economy,” continued Jacobson. “Congress and the President need to take construction stagnation seriously and act this year to reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration, pass all 13 appropriations bills that fund important public works projects, and take up a meaningful infrastructure package that injects significant federal resources into critical and transformational infrastructure projects that can revitalize our economy.”

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Construction Industry Drives Historically Low Unemployment Specialty Construction Grows by 20,500 Positions in May

June 1, 2018 TAUC | NMAPC

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Jack Jacobson
jack.jacobson@constructionemployersofamerica.com
202-637- 6820 (w); 202-251- 7644 (c)

Construction Industry Drives Historically Low Unemployment
Specialty Construction Grows by 20,500 Positions in May

Washington, DC – The Bureau of Labor Statistics today released May’s employment data, revealing unemployment at an 18-year low and steady growth in the construction industry. The country added 223,000 positions, including 25,000 new positions in construction.

“Construction Employers of America is encouraged by continued employment growth in the construction industry,” said Jack Jacobson, spokesperson for the Construction Employers of America. “The economy’s growth would be even greater if Congress passed significant legislation to invest in the country’s dilapidated infrastructure. A comprehensive infrastructure package would drive unemployment down even further, while using this period of economic growth as an opportunity to build the infrastructure that would support long-term economic stability.”

Unemployment has fallen the past two months, from 4.1% to 3.8%, nearing full employment. Specialty construction employment rose to 4,602,300 positions, adding 14,800 jobs in the nonresidential sector and 5,700 jobs in the residential sector. Nationally, 7,210,000 Americans are employed in the construction industry.

“Specialty construction contractors are eager to work with Congress to take advantage of the current economic and employment situation to make thoughtful improvements to federal policies affecting the construction industry,” added Jacobson. “Congress can authorize composite plans to shore up multiemployer pension plans, pass infrastructure legislation to put more Americans to work, and make investments in accredited apprenticeship and workforce development programs that will ensure continued growth in construction employment in the coming years.”

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April Construction Employment Rebounds from March Decline 3.9% Unemployment Emphasizes Need for Quality Apprenticeship Programs

May 4, 2018 TAUC | NMAPC

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 4, 2018

Contact: Jack Jacobson
jack.jacobson@constructionemployersofamerica.com
202-637- 6820 (w); 202-251- 7644 (c)

April Construction Employment Rebounds from March Decline

3.9% Unemployment Emphasizes Need for Quality Apprenticeship Programs

Washington, DC – The Bureau of Labor Statistics released the country’s April employment report today, revealing unemployment at 3.9%, the lowest level since 2000. In the construction industry, modest increases were seen in both the nonresidential and residential specialty construction sectors.

“March’s job losses in the construction industry were very concerning,” said Jack Jacobson, spokesperson for the Construction Employers of America. “We’re pleased to see growth in construction employment in April. This is the height of the construction season in many parts of the country, and we would anticipate continued strength in the construction industry throughout the summer months.”

The economy overall created 164,000 new positions in April, slightly lower than economists had forecast. The construction industry added 17,000 jobs, 11,100 of which were in the specialty construction sector. Both nonresidential and residential specialty construction posted job gains after unexpected declines in March.

“March was a difficult month for the construction industry,” continued Jacobson. “The Department of Commerce reported last week that construction spending in March had fallen 1.7%. With March’s construction employment decline, it is clear that more has to be done to get Congress and the administration focused on developing a comprehensive infrastructure investment plan.

“As the construction economy improves, our members will be focused on continuing to grow the ranks of highly skilled construction workers with the training needed to build and maintain our nation's infrastructure. This can only be done through the continued expansion of high-quality registered apprenticeship programs and an emphasis on pre-apprenticeship training that prepares young people for a successful rewarding career in specialty construction. CEA members have established a long history of investment, experience, and success in training apprentices for long-term careers. Our programs are well-prepared to meet the growing needs of the specialty trade construction industry.”

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Specialty Trades Added 37,600 Positions in February Construction Employment Remains Robust; Unemployment Rate Steady

March 9, 2018 TAUC | NMAPC

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 9, 2018

Contact: Jack Jacobson
jack.jacobson@constructionemployersofamerica.com
202-637- 6820 (w); 202-251- 7644 (c)

Specialty Trades Added 37,600 Positions in February
Construction Employment Remains Robust;
Unemployment Rate Steady

Washington, DC – The Bureau of Labor Statistics today released February’s employment data, showing strong job growth and an unchanged unemployment rate. The construction industry saw sustained increases, adding another 61,000 jobs weighted heavily in the specialty construction sector.

“Construction Employers of America is pleased to see continued, steady employment growth in the specialty trades,” said Jack Jacobson, spokesperson for CEA. “The labor market remains tight, and our members continue to invest in accredited apprenticeship and workforce training programs to ensure we are preparing the next generation of construction employees for the growing market.”

While there were significant gains across the construction job market, the major growth was in the specialty trades, which created 37,600 new positions. Residential specialty construction added 18,600 jobs, while nonresidential specialty contractors added 19,000 positions.

“It’s clear that the Federal government’s actions have a direct impact on the construction industry,” continued Jacobson. “Passage of comprehensive infrastructure legislation funded with significant Federal funds will ensure the construction industry can continue to create good, middle-class jobs that will fuel our economy for years. Failure to act on infrastructure would threaten job growth across the country.”

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Construction Employers Endorse “GROW Act”, Urge Swift Passage Bipartisan Legislation would Modernize Multiemployer Retirement Plans

February 14, 2018 TAUC | NMAPC

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 14, 2018

Contact: Jack Jacobson
jack.jacobson@constructionemployersofamerica.com
202-637- 6820 (w); 202-251- 7644 (c)

Construction Employers Endorse “GROW Act”, Urge Swift Passage
Bipartisan Legislation would Modernize Multiemployer Retirement Plans

Washington, DC – The Construction Employers of America lauded the introduction of the bipartisan “The Growing Retirement Options for Workers (GROW) Act,” sponsored by Reps. Phil Roe (R-TN) and Donald Norcross (D-NJ). The GROW Act would modernize the multiemployer pension system by authorizing composite plans, which combine the most popular features of defined benefit and defined contribution pension plans.

“Passage of the GROW Act is essential to the continued viability of the multiemployer pensions offered by specialty trade contractors,” said Jack Jacobson, spokesperson for Construction Employers of America. “This voluntary option, which was conceived of jointly by workers and employers, would provide our members and their workers another pension plan option. Composite plans would ensure lifetime benefits for employees while reducing risk and financial burdens for employers who are proud to provide lifetime benefits to their workforce but who worry about an unstable system that could bankrupt them.”

Composite plans have been stressed tested and are currently utilized by many employers in Canada. Composite plans would provide employees a lifetime of annuity income from professionally-managed pensions approved by employers and employees. They would provide greater financial stability and certainty for employers who are being forced to exit the current multiemployer pension system, which has left the system weakened and at risk of collapse.

As the country’s employers have moved away from defined benefit plans, more Americans are struggling to save enough money to enjoy a secure retirement. CEA employers believe it is important to enact this responsible solution that would provide lifetime retirement benefits for their employees but would not threaten the viability of their businesses. Labor and management worked together for over 18 months to produce this proposal that would benefit both employers and their workers.

“Enactment of the GROW Act is critical to our ability to provide long-term retirement security to our employees,” continued Jacobson. “Composite plans are fiscally responsible and would provide employers and employees greater flexibility when selecting a pension plan. The current ‘two-size-fits-all’ gives a false option that limits benefits or hamstrings employers.”

Employees who have retired would continue to receive their current benefits without interruption. When a company and its current employees agree to transition to composite plans, benefits accrued under defined benefit plans would be preserved; moving forward, those employees would contribute to and receive future retirement benefits through the new composite plan system. New employees would be fully enrolled in the composite plan.

“This is common sense legislation is a thoughtful and rational way to modernize our multiemployer pension system without harming employees or companies, and without burdening taxpayers,” said Jacobson. “Congress should take up and pass this legislation without delay.”

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White House Infrastructure Plan Good First Step for Construction Firms

February 12, 2018 TAUC | NMAPC

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 12, 2018

Contact: Jack Jacobson
jack.jacobson@constructionemployersofamerica.com
202-637- 6820 (w); 202-251- 7644 (c)

Apprenticeship & Training Programs Benefit; Plan Needs Additional Federal Funding

Washington, DC – The Trump Administration today released its “Legislative Outline for Rebuilding Infrastructure in America,” President Trump’s framework for authorizing and providing seed money for much-needed infrastructure investments. Construction Employers of America expressed appreciation for the Administration’s continued focus on the dire state of infrastructure across the country, and called for an increase in Federal funding to support the magnitude of projects in need of financing.

“Construction Employers of America thanks the President for identifying a long-neglected problem in America: the urgent necessity for the Federal government to invest in our national infrastructure systems,” said Jack Jacobson, spokesperson for CEA. “The President wants to invest in the repair and construction of $1.5 trillion in infrastructure projects over ten years; we are concerned how this level of investment can be achieved with only $200 billion in real Federal dollars.”

The Administration’s plan would provide partial grant funding for roads and bridges, airports, water and wastewater systems, waterways, energy systems, rural needs, veterans’ care facilities, Brownfield and Superfund sites and more. To accomplish this investment, non-Federal revenue streams, including state and local funding as well as private investment, would be leveraged with Federal funds.

“The President’s plan is a good starting point for a real conversation about our priorities as a country,” continued Jacobson. “Construction Employers of America look forward to working with the relevant congressional committees to build on the President’s proposal and identify opportunities for the Federal government to step up and do its part by providing real, sustainable revenue sources to support increased levels of investment in all segments of the nation’s infrastructure.”

“CEA is also pleased that the President’s proposal recognizes the importance of ensuring a sufficient workforce to revitalize and sustain America’s infrastructure investments,” said Jacobson.

CEA is committed to ensuring that there is not only a large enough workforce, but also that it is of the highest quality. To achieve this, CEA supports expanding the registered apprenticeship programs for construction that have successfully trained generations of highly-skilled blue collar employees hard at work today in the specialty construction industry, as well as pre-apprenticeship programs to prepare men and women to pursue careers in these trades.

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CEA Statement on President Trump's State of the Union Address

January 30, 2018 TAUC | NMAPC

This evening, President Donald J. Trump gave his first State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress. Construction Employers of America released the following statement in response to the President’s address:

“Construction Employers of America, our 15,000 employer members, and the 1.4 million American workers we employ commend the President for his commitment to invest heavily in American infrastructure. The President rightly stated, ‘America is a nation of builders.’ CEA and our members appreciate the President’s recognition of the enormous contributions hard-working American construction workers have made to the success of our economic revival.

“Our economy can only continue to grow and thrive with major investments in our critical infrastructure systems. While we appreciate the President’s call on Congress to send him a bill that would leverage investments totaling $1.5 trillion in infrastructure over ten years, we are eager to review the details of the Administration’s proposal as infrastructure has historically been funded primarily through federal grants and programs. It will be incredibly difficult to shift the enormous costs of roads, waterways, airports, electric systems, telecommunications, and public buildings -- all of which have regional or national impacts -- to local and state governments and private investors.

“Construction Employers of America looks forward to working with President Trump and Congress to ensure this year’s infrastructure bill can truly ‘reclaim our great building heritage,’ as the President stated. Effective and long-standing worker protections including Davis-Bacon, as well as utilization of project labor agreements, will be vital to the success of the infrastructure package as Congress’s legislation is implemented and projects are selected construction work commences.”

Jack Jacobson
Spokesperson
Construction Employers of America

Construction Employment Drives December Job Gains

January 5, 2018 TAUC | NMAPC

January 5, 2018

Contact: Jack Jacobson
jack.jacobson@constructionemployersofamerica.com
202-637- 6820 (w); 202-251- 7644 (c)

Specialty Trade Construction Dominated Employment Growth

Washington, DC – The Bureau of Labor Statistics today released the country’s December employment data, revealing continued growth in the labor market. The construction industry added 30,000 positions in the last month of 2017, capping the seventh consecutive year in which more than 2 million jobs were created.

“December’s job growth included substantial gains in the construction industry which were overwhelmingly driving by specialty trade construction,” said Jack Jacobson, spokesperson for Construction Employers of America. “We are pleased with the positions added in December, and are working with policymakers to continue this trajectory as Congress begins working in earnest on a comprehensive infrastructure package.”

Residential specialty construction posted 10,000 new positions, while nonresidential specialty employment grew by nearly 14,000. Unemployment remained static at 4.1%.

“In the construction industry, all eyes are now on the infrastructure bill,” continued Jacobson. “From roads and waterways to public buildings and electric transmission lines, America is ready to get to work once Congress acts. Unlocking critical federal funds for infrastructure construction will put tens of thousands more Americans to work and spur development and innovation across the country.”

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Construction Employment Continues Steady Growth - Specialty Trade Construction adds 22,600 Positions in November

December 8, 2017 TAUC | NMAPC

December 8, 2017

Contact: Jack Jacobson
jack.jacobson@constructionemployersofamerica.com
202-637- 6820 (w); 202-251- 7644 (c)

Construction Employment Continues Steady Growth

Specialty Trade Construction adds 22,600 Positions in November

Washington, DC – The Bureau of Labor Statistics today released the country’s November employment data today, revealing continued job growth; the unemployment rate held steady at 4.1%. The American economy added 228,000 jobs, ten percent of which were added in the construction industry.

“Construction Employers of America is encouraged by today’s Bureau of Labor Statistics report, demonstrating that specialty trade construction remains the backbone of the construction employment market in America, accounting for over 64% of the jobs in the construction industry,” said Jack Jacobson, spokesperson for the Construction Employers of America. “Nearly all of November’s job growth occurred in the specialty trades, reminding us of the importance of a highly-skilled labor market.”

Construction employment was up 24,000 positions. Of that, 22,600 specialty trade positions were added, including nearly 12,000 in non-residential specialty construction and 10,700 in residential specialty construction. Heavy and civil engineering construction saw a moderate drop in employment.

“Specialty trade construction is growing for a variety of reasons,” continued Jacobson. “The specialty trades workforce requires extensive and high-quality job training and apprenticeship programs, which our members provide. In addition, our customers’ projects continue to grow in complexity and scope. Construction Employers of America and our employee partners continue to meet and exceed our customers’ high expectations.”

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Specialty Construction Sees Modest Job Growth in October

November 3, 2017 TAUC | NMAPC

Tax reform, infrastructure package vital to sustaining growth

Washington, DC – The Bureau of Labor Statistics today released the country’s October employment data, revealing sustained growth in the U.S. job market and a slight reduction in unemployment. The construction sector added 11,000 positions in October, overwhelmingly in the specialty trade construction sector, which added 10,400 of those construction jobs.

“While this data indicates a very modest increase in specialty trade construction, nonresidential specialty construction employment is down slightly from the same time last year,” said Jack Jacobson, spokesperson for Construction Employers of America. “While this speaks somewhat to increased worker productivity, the needs for nonresidential specialty construction continues to grow, particularly for our outdated infrastructure, and we should be seeing greater job gains here, particularly as we recover from recent natural disasters that have destroyed and damaged infrastructure and buildings in multiple U.S. states and territories.”

Of the 10,400 specialty construction positions created in October, 6,100 positions were in the residential sector, while 4,300 positions were created in nonresidential specialty construction. Year-over-year, nonresidential specialty construction shrunk very modestly from 2,490,200 positions in October 2016 to 2,479,400 positions in October 2017.

“At a time when our roads and bridges need a wholesale overhaul, our municipal buildings and schools are outdated and inefficient, and our electric grid is vulnerable and in need of upgrades, we should be seeing much more growth in high-quality, blue collar specialty construction jobs,” continued Jacobson. “We are encouraged that Congress is moving forward with comprehensive tax reform, which the House of Representatives released yesterday. However, CEA urges Congress to include dedicated infrastructure spending provisions in a final tax reform measure and we will champion provisions to incentivize contractors to invest in their workforce, provide middle class jobs, enhance retirement options and protect health care benefits.”

As soon as tax reform is completed, Congress and the Administration must put a laser focus on passing a major infrastructure package with real dollars in it to rebuild outdated infrastructure and create new infrastructure that will launch a new wave of 21st century jobs and innovation.

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Specialty Trades Add 8,900 Jobs in September

October 6, 2017 TAUC | NMAPC

October 6, 2017

Specialty Construction Continues to Dominate the Construction Labor Market

Washington, DC – The Bureau of Labor Statistics today released the country’s September employment numbers, revealing modest but important growth in the construction sector. With unemployment dipping to 4.2%, specialty trade contractors added 8,900 positions, including 8,500 positions in the non-residential specialty construction market.

“Construction Employers of America is pleased to see employment growth among specialty construction firms,” said Jack Jacobson, spokesperson for Construction Employers of America. “Our investment in robust apprenticeship and training programs ensures that our firms are completing high-quality projects for our clients.”

On a year-over-year basis, specialty trades have added nearly 120,000 positions since September 2016, and currently account for over 4.4 million jobs from coast-to-coast, comprising nearly 64% of the construction labor force. In September residential construction contracted, as did heavy and civil engineering construction.

“We are pleased with this month’s jobs numbers,” continued Jacobson. “However, the loss of jobs in heavy and civil engineering construction reiterate the need for Congress and the Administration to focus on infrastructure investments and tax reform. We urge action on both bills before the end of the year; our firms will need time to plan and scale up for the work that will be generated once Congress acts.”

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Construction Employment Grows in August

September 1, 2017 TAUC | NMAPC

Federal Infrastructure Package Critical to Sustaining Increases

Washington, DC – The Bureau of Labor Statistics today released the country’s August employment numbers, revealing steady employment growth in the construction industry. Of the 156,000 jobs created in August, 28,000 positions were filled in construction employment.

“Construction employment grew across every industry sector in August,” said Jack Jacobson, spokesperson for Construction Employers of America. “This is the first month in some time we’ve realized sustained job increases throughout the construction industry. While the growth is certainly encouraging, these gains are unlikely to be sustainable without congressional intervention in the form of a major infrastructure package.”

Specialty trade construction grew by over 15,000 positions, continuing to lead employment in the construction sector. Nonresidential specialty construction grew by nearly 4,000 jobs; residential specialty construction increased by 11,500 positions.

“When Congress invests in infrastructure, it creates jobs in every single state,” continued Jacobson. “We hope the House and Senate will make the infrastructure plan they promised last year a reality. Smart tax reform can also spur construction job growth by driving down costs and bringing back home significant overseas corporate earnings to be invested in American infrastructure.”

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Strong Job Gains Belie Construction Employment Weaknesses

August 4, 2017 TAUC | NMAPC

Federal Action on Tax, Infrastructure Legislation Imperative

Washington, DC – The Bureau of Labor Statistics today released July’s employment statistics. While the economy continued to expand, construction job growth was weaker than expected, contracting in some cases. Specialty trade construction continued to dominate the construction industry, but added only 1,200 jobs.

“To see construction job gains this small during the summer is alarming,” said Jack Jacobson, spokesperson for Construction Employers of America. “Nonresidential specialty construction shrunk by nearly 1,000 positions in July. We would expect the opposite if the economy was truly strong and working for everyone.”

CEA has been vocal about the need for Congress to quickly pass robust legislation to overhaul the U.S. tax code and invest in domestic infrastructure projects. Effective tax reform would immediately spur domestic infrastructure investments through repatriation of overseas earnings and pro-growth tax policies to aid small businesses. Stronger enforcement tools to address worker misclassification would have the dual impact of raising federal tax receipts and ensuring blue collar workers receive the unemployment, healthcare, and retirement benefits they’ve earned.

“Congress cannot continue to kick the can down the road,” said Jacobson. “Legislative inaction will cripple our economy. Construction contractors are ready to work on projects to rebuild our airports, roads, and crumbling infrastructure. Congressional inaction is endangering tens of thousands of construction jobs.”

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