Labor


  • Light through the Pride flag turns the street many colors.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Justin Sullivan via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    Planning for Pride? Attorneys offer tips to navigate a ‘thornier’ year

    Cultural observances may not necessarily be a target for federal enforcement actions, but some experts still urge caution.

    By Kate Tornone • June 5, 2025
  • Construction workers lift materials on a jobsite.
    Image attribution tooltip
    urbazon via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    Job openings stagnate as labor churn flattens

    Hires, layoffs and quits were historically low in April, while employers held onto valuable skilled labor amid economic uncertainty.

    By June 4, 2025
  • A group of construction workers lined up on a construction jobsite.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
    Image attribution tooltip

    ICE raids on building sites stoke fear, uncertainty

    Law enforcement officers arrested construction workers in San Antonio, New Orleans and Tallahassee, Florida, last week.

    By June 4, 2025
  • A person wearing orange protective gear peaking out of a plane window in a factory.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Stephen Brashear via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    42% of Gen Z workers say they’re turning to blue-collar roles for security

    Regardless of education level, workers said they’re choosing blue-collar work for better long-term prospects, higher pay and a lower risk of being replaced by AI.

    By Carolyn Crist • May 29, 2025
  • Detail shot with american flag on soldier uniform, giving the honor salute during military ceremony
    Image attribution tooltip
    roibu via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    Why veterans make good construction leaders

    Former and current military members are well-suited for superintendent and safety manager roles, according to a recent webinar hosted by Skanska and the Society of American Military Engineers.

    By May 27, 2025
  • construction workers toil with the sunset in the background
    Image attribution tooltip
    sculpies via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip
    Q&A

    Take breaks, buddy up: Tips for beating the heat

    Ventilated hard hats, “heat buddies” and electrolyte drinks are just a few of the ways that Curran Young Construction helps keep workers cool.

    By May 22, 2025
  • A view of several office buildings from a distance across a river and over many trees.
    Image attribution tooltip
    halbergman via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    Defense Department must resume use of PLAs, judge says

    A U.S. District Court ruling ordered the agency to return to using project labor agreements on major construction projects to align with a Biden-era executive order.

    By May 22, 2025
  • A medical professional tends to a person on a stretcher.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Mario Tama / Staff via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    Foreign job seeker interest in US jobs has plummeted, Indeed says

    “This drop could have real economic consequences, especially for sectors like healthcare and construction that depend heavily on immigrant labor,” according to the report.

    By Carolyn Crist • May 15, 2025
  • aerial view of New York City skyline - stock photo
    Image attribution tooltip
    gollykim via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip
    Q&A

    New York contractors boost pay, benefits to fight labor shortages

    A report that surveyed more than 200 contractors in New York also highlighted workforce development programs, flexible work options and mental health resources.

    By May 15, 2025
  • A man stands in a board room, looking out on the horizon
    Image attribution tooltip
    brightstars via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip
    Opinion // Business Matters

    How new construction execs can set themselves up to succeed

    Emerging leaders must be flexible in the face of change while also speaking up for what they need, writes consultant Matt Verderamo.

    By Matt Verderamo • May 14, 2025
  • A group of construction workers stand together on a jobsite
    Image attribution tooltip
    Permission granted by McHugh Construction
    Image attribution tooltip
    Safety Week 2025

    Ready to stand down? Construction Safety Week kicks off.

    This year’s initiative will focus on fall prevention among other efforts to keep workers safe and healthy.

    By May 5, 2025
  • A brown Department of Labor sign in front of a beige building under a clear blue sky.
    Image attribution tooltip
    iStock Editorial via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    DOL orders staff not to enforce Biden-era independent contractor rule

    The Labor Department is still considering whether to rescind the rule, which faces ongoing litigation, it said Thursday.

    By Ryan Golden • May 5, 2025
  • a woman hangs a Help Wanted sign on a window
    Image attribution tooltip
    YinYang via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip
    Economic Reports

    Construction hiring slows to lowest rate ever recorded

    New job numbers point to a decreased demand for labor across the industry, according to Associated Builders and Contractors’ analysis.

    By May 1, 2025
  • immigration
    Image attribution tooltip
    David Ryder via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    ‘I can’t find any help’: Employers scramble to solve worker shortages caused by immigration crackdowns

    President Donald Trump recently said the government would seek to let some undocumented persons return to the country “if they’re good,” but he was scant on details.

    By Ryan Golden • May 1, 2025
  • Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, in a blue suit and tie, gestures from a podium.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Kayla Bartkowski via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    DOT will cut funds to transportation projects with DEI: Duffy

    The U.S. transportation secretary also told funding recipients that they need to cooperate with immigration officers or potentially face civil or criminal prosecution.

    By April 29, 2025
  • A collage of workers in the construction industry.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Permission granted by Dimelo Media
    Image attribution tooltip
    Sponsored by HACIA

    HACIA’s 2024 Impact Report: How one organization is building a more inclusive construction industry

    How HACIA is helping diverse business owners grow and win in Illinois’ construction industry.

    April 28, 2025
  • participants learn about roofing and the skilled trades
    Image attribution tooltip
    Permission granted by GAF
    Image attribution tooltip
    Column // Help Wanted

    Trades skills course provides second chances

    GAF Roofing Academy’s free weeklong training seeks to get students, some of whom have been charged with a crime or served prison sentences, job-ready.

    By April 24, 2025
  • President Donald Trump's motorcade prepares to leave the White House.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Al Drago via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    Trump orders federal procurement overhaul

    The effort is set to bring about the biggest change to how the government buys products and services since the 1990s.

    By April 22, 2025
  • The skyline of a city along a river.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Aerial_Views via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    PLA use didn’t increase project costs, Illinois study finds

    Project labor agreements increased bidding competition on awards within the state, according to research from the Illinois Economic Policy Institute.

    By Keith Loria • April 17, 2025
  • an older worker trains a new worker on a construction site
    Image attribution tooltip
    Akacin Phonsawat via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip
    Opinion // Business Matters

    Why do we set up new hires to fail?

    The construction industry must move away from "sink-or-swim" training and instead provide early career workers with the coaching they need, writes consultant Fulton Cure.

    By Fulton Cure • April 15, 2025
  • Two men sit in chairs and shake hands.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Win McNamee via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    Union calls for return of ‘unlawfully’ deported tradesworker

    SMART characterized the U.S. government’s removal of first-year apprentice Kilmar Abrego Garcia as "unconscionable." Monday, El Salvador’s president said he wouldn’t coordinate his return.

    By April 15, 2025
  • ICE agent monitors asylum seekers at immigration center
    Image attribution tooltip
    David Dee Delgado via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip
    Deep Dive

    Trump’s immigration enforcement against employers has been gradual. That may soon change.

    Worksite visits and arrests at smaller worksites are already happening. Operations against bigger employers, coupled with the threat of penalties, are likely fast approaching.

    By Ryan Golden • April 10, 2025
  • U.S. Capitol building in Washington D.C.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Jeremy Poland via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    Trades group sues federal government over PLA exemption

    NABTU argues that a Biden-era executive order mandating project labor agreements is still in effect, despite the Trump administration’s moves to curb their use.

    By April 10, 2025
  • An engineer looks at a table while overseeing a construction site.
    Image attribution tooltip
    sculpies/iStock/Getty Images Plus via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip
    Opinion

    How to use tech to fill construction’s skills gap

    While new technology can be daunting for workers and managers alike, a venture chief says starting small and educating onsite personnel can help firms stay ahead of the curve.

    By Gonzalo Galindo • April 9, 2025
  • A woman drive a scissors lift on a sidewalk
    Image attribution tooltip
    Permission granted by Bond Building Construction
    Image attribution tooltip
    Q&A

    Project engineer follows in her father’s footsteps

    Bond Building Construction’s Destiny Fausta’s love of construction began when she visited jobsites as a young girl.

    By April 9, 2025