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.”

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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