Labor
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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 -
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 Zachary Phillips • June 4, 2025 -
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 Zachary Phillips • June 4, 2025 -
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 -
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 Sebastian Obando • May 27, 2025 -
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 Jennifer Goodman • May 22, 2025 -
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 Zachary Phillips • May 22, 2025 -
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 -
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 Sebastian Obando • May 15, 2025 -
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 -
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 Jennifer Goodman • May 5, 2025 -
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 -
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 Jennifer Goodman • May 1, 2025 -
‘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 -
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 Julie Strupp • April 29, 2025 -
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 -
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 Zachary Phillips • April 24, 2025 -
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 Julie Strupp • April 22, 2025 -
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 -
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 -
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 Zachary Phillips • April 15, 2025 -
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 -
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 Zachary Phillips • April 10, 2025 -
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 -
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 Jennifer Goodman • April 9, 2025