Author: agcnews
The Associated General Contractors of America, along with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and a coalition of business groups, filed a lawsuit in the Western District of Texas, Waco Division against the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. The lawsuit challenges the agency’s new “walkaround” rule, which forces contractors to let potentially anyone, regardless of safety training, construction experience or intent to accompany a federal safety inspector on a jobsite. The suit argues that agency officials upended over 50 years of precedent by dramatically expanding the type of third parties allowed to accompany inspectors during walkarounds. Previously, the agency would only…
Groups Oppose Occupational Safety and Health Administration Measure that Forces Contractors to Let Potentially Anyone, Regardless of Safety Training, Construction Experience or Intent onto a Jobsite Today, the Associated General Contractors of America, along with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and a coalition of business groups, filed a lawsuit in the Western District of Texas, Waco Division against the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. The lawsuit challenges the agency’s new “walkaround” rule, which forces contractors to let potentially anyone, regardless of safety training, construction experience or intent to accompany a federal safety inspector on a jobsite. The suit argues that…
Texas and Alaska Top Lists of Numerical and Percentage Year-over-Year Increases, While Ohio and Iowa Trail; Michigan Has Largest Number and Percent of Monthly Gains, While New York and Maryland Have Worst Losses Construction employment increased in 39 states in April from a year earlier, while 29 states added construction jobs between March and April, according to a new analysis of federal employment data released by the Associated General Contractors of America today. Association officials cautioned that new tariffs on construction materials and unworkable rules for certifying the origin of materials could slow projects and hiring in many states. “Demand for construction workers…
Association Warns Proposal to Tighten Buy America Rules for Manufactured Products Used in Highway Construction Risks Driving Up Costs and Delaying Completion of Much-Needed Infrastructure Projects The price of materials and services used in nonresidential construction increased 0.4 percent from March to April, while an index that measures contractors’ bid prices inched up by 0.1 percent, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of government data released today. Association officials cited a new survey of highway contractors that indicated inflexible federal Buy America mandates could lead to future price escalations and other disruptions to highway projects. “Prices for construction inputs…
We’re excited to introduce our new CEO, Jeff Shoaf. With a passion for the construction industry’s ability to transform communities and improve lives, Jeff’s journey from Capitol Hill to AGC leadership highlights his dedication to the sector. He emphasizes AGC’s commitment to honesty and respect, underscoring the importance of member input in shaping beneficial legislation and regulations. Looking ahead, Jeff envisions a more collaborative AGC, working closely with chapters and members to address the industry’s evolving needs. He highlights AGC’s role in workforce development and positive industry advocacy, aiming to attract new talent. Jeff’s message to all members is one…
Construction Industry’s Election Fund, the AGC PAC, Contributes in Support of the Dugan Campaign, Noting His Strong Backing of Key Construction Issues Officials with the Associated General Contractors of America Political Action Committee, also known as the AGC PAC, announced today that the committee has endorsed Mike Dugan for the United States House of Representatives. AGC PAC officials said they are supporting the Dugan campaign because of his strong commitment to the construction industry in Georgia. “Mike Dugan is a serious leader who delivers for his constituents and state. He supports tax reforms that allow Georgia’s workers to keep more of their…
Nonresidential Building, Specialty Trades, and Heavy & Civil Engineering Construction Contractors Increase Headcount, While Monthly Employment Declines at Residential Specialty Trade Contractors The construction industry added 9,000 jobs in April—the fewest since August 2022—as a downturn among residential remodelers and subcontractors undercut job gains at nonresidential construction firms, according to an analysis of new government data the Associated General Contractors of America released today. Association officials noted that demand for workers remains high among nonresidential firms, and they urged government officials to enhance support for career development and more employment-based immigration. “It appears that high interest rates are dragging down remodeling, homebuilding,…
On October 25th, Maine experienced a tragic mass shooting that shook the entire state to its core. The event highlighted the vulnerability of small communities where everyone felt the impact, either directly or indirectly. The construction industry, like many others, faced the challenge of supporting its members through the aftermath. Before the incident, there were ongoing discussions about mental health in the construction sector with YouTurn Health. This partnership proved invaluable in addressing the immediate needs following the tragedy. YouTurn Health’s approach to mental health support is personalized and empathetic, matching individuals with others who share similar experiences. This method…
Varied Monthly Results among Segments, along with Year-over-Year Gains, Suggest Demand for Projects Remains Strong but Spending May Have Been Slowed by Shortage of Qualified Construction Workers Total construction spending dipped from February to March with declines in private nonresidential and residential projects that offset a rebound in public construction, according to an analysis of a new government report that the Associated General Contractors of America released today. Association officials noted, however, that contractors continue to report robust backlogs and few cancellations, suggesting that the slowdown in spending may be due to a lack of workers, not slumping demand. “Private…
Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, Calif., Baton Rouge, La. and Fairbanks, Alaska Top Lists of Year-over-Year Rise in Industry Employment While New York City and Decatur, Ill. See Worst Job Loss Total & Rate for the Year Construction employment rose in 234, or 65 percent, of 358 metro areas between March 2023 and March 2024, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of new government employment data. Association officials noted that demand for a range of projects, from infrastructure to manufacturing and data centers, continues to grow in many parts of the country even as firms struggle to find enough workers. “While high interest…