Author: agcnews

The price of materials and services used in nonresidential construction continued rising at a double-digit rate in November from a year earlier, propelled by outsized increases in the cost of a variety of building materials, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of government data released today. Association officials noted that contractors are having to pay more both for materials and for the subcontractor services they need to finish most projects. “Although inflationary pressures are cooling in some areas, overall costs for construction are still rising at painfully high rates,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “In…

Construction has one of the highest suicide rates of all major industry groups. AGC of America is launching a new effort to combat the silent epidemic of suicide and other mental health issues plaguing our workforce. As part of this effort, we are releasing a series of videos telling the stories of real industry professionals who have struggled with mental health. We hope that in sharing their stories, others will know they are not alone, and it is okay to seek help when it is needed. For more information and resources, visit agc.org/mental-health-suicide-prevention.

As a leader in her community and having personally witnessed a loved one’s battle with substance misuse, Michelle de Potter uses her platform to bring attention to mental health and suicide in the construction industry. In the video, Michelle, CEO and lobbyist for the AGC Florida East Coast chapter, emphasizes the critical importance of mental health as part of workplace safety. She recounts the traumatic experience of her birth father’s addiction following a workplace injury, a struggle that profoundly impacted her life. Michelle candidly discusses the stigma surrounding mental health and addiction in the industry and advocates for open dialogue…

The death of a coworker profoundly transformed Shannon Niles’ life, propelling him on a journey of seeking help and healing. Shannon recounts a tragic incident where a laborer was fatally buried in a trench collapse, an event that left him grappling with intense guilt, anger, and depression. In the video, Shannon bravely shares his struggle with bottling up his emotions, turning to alcohol, and mistreating his family, until his loved ones urged him to seek professional help. His story underscores the importance of breaking the stigma around mental health in tough industries, advocating for open conversations and support systems. Today,…

For years, Mike Pugh silently struggled with mental health and substance abuse issues. In a compelling video testimony, he shares his journey from rock bottom to recovery. Mike reflects on his life working in construction for over 40 years. He candidly discusses the culture of “work hard, play hard” that led to his substance abuse and how he used work as an escape from personal responsibilities. As his addiction worsened, Mike faced severe consequences, including job loss, homelessness, and the heartbreak of leaving his wife and children. Mike recounts the moment of relief and surrender when his brother, who had…

Construction has one of the highest suicide rates of all major industry groups. AGC of America is launching a new effort to combat the silent epidemic of suicide and other mental health issues plaguing our workforce. As part of this effort, we are releasing a series of videos telling the stories of real industry professionals who have struggled with mental health. We hope that in sharing their stories, others will know they are not alone, and it is okay to seek help when it is needed. For more information and resources, visit agc.org/mental-health-suicide-prevention. Watch Here!

For nearly three years, the U.S. construction industry has been buffeted by unprecedented increases in material costs, supply-chain bottlenecks, and a tight labor market. AGC’s Construction Inflation Alert is intended to help owners, public officials, and others understand what contractors are experiencing. The December 2022 edition—the 9th since early 2021, outlines steps owners and contractors can take to adjust to the fast-changing market conditions. Chapters and members are encouraged to forward the latest information about conditions, such as supplier newsletters and “Dear Valued Customer” letters, to Chief Economist Ken Simonson at ken.simonson@agc.org. AGC will continue to update the Alert as needed. 

Construction companies added 20,000 employees in November and continued to raise wages for hourly workers more steeply than other sectors as the industry’s unemployment rate tumbled, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of new government data. Association officials said the data shows that firms would have added significantly more workers if they could find more people to hire. “It is heartening that both residential and nonresidential construction firms were able to add employees in November,” said. “But the number of job openings continues to outpace hiring, suggesting employers wanted to bring on many more workers than they…

Total construction spending decreased by 0.3 percent for the month of October with downturns in homebuilding and most major nonresidential categories, according to an analysis the Associated General Contractors of America released today of federal spending data. Association officials noted contractors are struggling to complete projects as the number of open positions at the end of October topped hires in the month. “Most nonresidential contractors report full order books but are having trouble hiring enough workers to keep projects on schedule,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “Rising interest rates and costs for materials are likely to choke off…

Construction employment increased in 268 or 75 percent of 358 metro areas between October 2021 and October 2022, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of new government employment data. Association officials noted, however, that job vacancies outpaced hiring as construction firms struggle to find enough qualified workers to hire. “While three out of four metros added construction jobs in the past year, gains would have been even more widespread if contractors could find enough qualified workers,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “Job openings at the end of September topped the number of construction employees hired all…