Author: agcnews

Price escalation and supply chain disruptions continue to register as the number one issue in construction contracts today. The absence of a price escalation clause is considered a “killer clause” for many general contractors working on private vertical construction. Public owners are taking notice as well. Now there are some success stories of public owners addressing price escalation in their contracts and through contract administration. The St. Louis Water District (“District”) looked at the ConsensusDocs 200.1 Price Escalation Clause after dialoguing with the AGC of Missouri and AGC National. Consequently, the District included price escalation language in a recent bid…

Construction Workers Now Earn Over $35 an Hour on Average, While the Sector’s Unemployment Rate Hits 3.4 Percent as Association Officials Call for Construction Education Funding and Immigration Reforms The construction industry added 19,000 employees in September as it boosted wages for hourly workers at the fastest rate in 40 years, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of new government data. Association officials said that even with the pay raises, many contractors are still having a difficult time finding qualified workers to hire. “Contractors are raising pay faster than other sectors and are hiring more…

The construction industry is making strides towards inclusivity and diversity, and this video highlights the experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals within the field. Melissa Allen, a project manager, shares her perspective as a member of the queer community, emphasizing the importance of feeling safe and respected at work. Despite the progress, many still face unconscious biases and fears of ostracization. Dre White, a safety manager, discusses the need for open conversations and supportive environments, advocating for a culture where everyone feels valued, regardless of their background or identity. This video underscores the significance of creating a workplace where all employees can…

93 Percent of Construction firms have reported that they are experiencing material shortages and/or allocations. All firms are experiencing similar construction material availability challenges regardless of their market – highway and transportation projects, federal and heavy work, or utility infrastructure. Similarly, shortage of material is a problem which affects all regions of the country only varies slightly between regions. MATERIALS: FACT SHEETS:

Future of “Significant Nexus” Test Remains Unclear” This week the U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments in a case that looks at the core of what are “waters of the United States” (WOTUS) under the Clean Water Act (CWA). AGC filed a joint “friend-of-the-court” brief in this case, Sackett v. Environmental Protection Agency, because the demarcation of WOTUS determines when construction work in or around waters require federal permits. The federal agencies have elevated the concept of “significant nexus” mentioned by a single Justice in a prior case as the favored test to determine jurisdiction over a water based on its relationship with…

In this powerful video on racism in the construction industry, a project manager, shares her journey of navigating a field where she has often been the only person of color. Reflecting on her experiences, she describes the isolation and microaggressions she has faced, including being questioned about her abilities in ways that her white colleagues would not be. Despite these challenges, she remains determined to push for change and ensure that qualified individuals of all backgrounds have opportunities for advancement. A senior project coordinator, also weighs in, emphasizing the importance of allies and creating a supportive work environment. Both women…

In this powerful video, industry professionals shed light on the persistent issue of sexism in the construction industry. Ali Spray, Community Empower Manager, shares her journey of overcoming gender biases and proving her worth as a civil engineer despite being told it wasn’t a job for women. Her determination to succeed fueled her passion to represent and advocate for women, particularly Latina women, in the field. Alyssa Wilson, Assistant Project Manager, recounts the challenges of being the only female project engineer and the constant need to prove her competence in a male-dominated industry. The video underscores the importance of inclusivity…

Grappling with the maze of marijuana laws and your company policy? On this episode, Bill Judge of Drug Screening Compliance Institute talks about considerations for employers to create and enforce drug-testing policies that are consistent with the laws in all of the states in which they operate – as well as best practices for addressing safety-sensitive roles. Guest:William J. Judge, JD, LL.M.Drug Screening Compliance Institutebjudge@drugscreeningci.comwww.askbilljudge.com Resources:At the federal level, marijuana is listed as a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act. Many federal contractors and all federal grantees are required by law to establish and maintain a drug-free workplace policy. In…

Total construction spending declined by 0.7 percent in August as spending on new houses turned sharply lower, while public and private nonresidential construction posted mixed results, according to an analysis the Associated General Contractors of America released today of federal spending data. Association officials said that rising interest rates were hurting demand for housing and many private-sector projects while the impacts of new federal funding for infrastructure, semiconductor plants and green energy facilities have yet to fully kick in. “The construction market is in a transition that is likely to accelerate in the months ahead,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief…

Total construction spending increased by 0.2 percent for the month of September and by 10.9 percent for the year as nonresidential construction activity now outpaces residential construction, according to an analysis the Associated General Contractors of America released today of federal spending data. Association officials noted that gains in public sector transportation construction have lagged other fast-growing segments as officials grapple with Buy America and other new regulatory requirements. “Demand remains strong for a range of nonresidential construction segments despite supply chain challenges and rising interest rates,” said Stephen E. Sandherr, the association’s chief executive officer. “But transportation infrastructure investments…