In today’s construction news, read about how, according to a survey, the U.S. construction industry concluded 2024 on a more stable note, although shortages in skilled crafts remained a problem. On the other hand, some employees are beginning to question if they should continue to report to work as President Trump’s immigration crackdown spreads throughout the US, with over a thousand arrests made every day.
Despite Labor Issues, the Construction Sector is Stable
Original Source: Construction industry on firm footing despite labor challenges
The U.S. construction industry ended 2024 stronger, but skilled trades shortages persisted, a research indicated.
The USA building Monitor said that the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and American Association of Cost Engineering claimed building was stronger in 2024. The infrastructure, housing, and office sectors drove shrinking growth, researchers said.
The survey showed that the Construction Sentiment Index, a composite indicator, rose to +40 last quarter. At the end of the year, confidence was higher than +19 in the third quarter and +25 the quarter before. The report counted net balances from -100 to +100.
The study revealed a robust +63% net balance for infrastructure, up from 34% in the third quarter. Energy workloads increased the greatest in infrastructure, +69%. Researchers reported that the U.S. government built several renewable, battery, and nuclear energy projects in 2024.
Private residential developments were +26% in the fourth quarter, up from +10% in the previous quarter. The report indicated non-residential development, including offices, at +31% versus +8%.
Researchers indicated increased client involvement in projects improved future project expectations. They said that confidence in profit margins rose to +4% from -13% in the third and second quarters of 2024.
The construction business is improving, although survey respondents reported skilled trade and labor shortages. Researchers reported that a New York corporation expressed concerns about an aging staff and the need to attract new talent. Researchers estimate that 40% of built environment specialists will retire in the next years.
The report found that over 70% of respondents stated skilled trades shortages hindered construction. The runner up was general labor shortages for nearly 60% of respondents, data from the monitor report showed.
“The U.S. construction economy continued to gain traction in the 4th quarter of 2024, with infrastructure projects fueling growth and project backlogs reaching their highest levels since 2022,” said Michael Kobylka II, the CEO of AACE, in a statement. “While US contractors are seeing strong demand, the ongoing skilled labor shortage remains a critical challenge that could impact future capacity. The data shows that the new administration’s policy agenda must address skilled workforce shortages in the U.S. and control the cost of construction materials to sustain this momentum and meet the industry’s long-term needs.”
Deportations Under Trump Push Construction Workers “Back Into the Shadows”
Original Source: Trump deportations send construction workers ‘back to the shadows’
As President Trump’s immigration enforcement continues with over 1,000 arrests per day, some workers are wondering if they should keep coming to work.
This might deepen a housing affordability crisis that experts believe has to be fixed by speeding up development and a labor shortage that threatens to postpone homebuilding and hike prices.
“We definitely are hearing hesitation,” said National Day Laborer Organizing Network communications coordinator Palmira Figueroa, a longtime labor organizer.
Over the past few days, I’ve been thinking about fear. She said the administration is trying to instill fear so immigrant workers return to the shadows.
The network works with informal laborers who prepare sites, monitor traffic, and more for the construction industry, which has relied more on foreign workers in recent years.
The industry’s direct and indirect effects from Trump’s crackdown are worrying.
The sector has 228,000 vacant positions in September.
Associated Builders and Contractors, a trade association, said in January that it would require 439,000 new workers this year and 500,000 next year to meet demand.
“The economy and country require us and our job. Immigrant labor is crucial “Figuerola told Context.
Figueroa cited the Los Angeles area, where migrant day laborers are being taught to clean up after the wildfires and will make up a large part of the needed manpower.
For years, similar workers have cleaned up after natural disasters, a difficult and poisonous profession.
The network has organized assemblies and “defense committees” since last summer to prepare for Trump’s election “helping workers learn their rights and prepare each other for this moment,” Figueroa added.
Undocumented immigrants support industry, agriculture, and health care in addition to construction.
Trump promises a “unprecedented” immigration crackdown and mass deportation of 11 million unauthorized immigrants.
Former workplace immigration raids have resumed.
Contractor associations worry the effects could last for years in Latino communities.
Like much of the country, this region’s construction business is Hispanic. Jose Sueiro, president of the 350-member Metro D.C. Hispanic Contractors Association, stated over 50% of workers and small firms are Hispanic-owned.
Trump’s immigration crackdown is on everyone’s mind, he added.
Changes in pattern are expected. Our community may stay home more and avoid specific areas “Sueiro.
“You will paralyse our industry but others, as well, because our workforce is the workforce that builds America.”
The White House declined comment.
Ripple impacts
The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) reported in November that more over a quarter of construction workers were immigrants in 2023, the latest year with statistics.
According to the group, California and New Jersey have 40% proportions.
“We have been persistently short hundreds of thousands of workers in the construction sector,” said NAHB CEO Jim Tobin, who represents 140,000 members.
“Because of that persistent lack, we’ve needed to look at immigration, hence why it’s critically important to this industry.”
The context?
The Trump immigration crackdown might impact housing affordability because building relies on immigrant labor.
Immigrants filled decade-long labor shortage
A quarter of workers may be undocumented.
Deportation crackdowns derail construction, raise expenses
Washington- As President Trump’s immigration enforcement continues with over 1,000 arrests per day, some workers are wondering if they should keep coming to work.
This might deepen a housing affordability crisis that experts believe has to be fixed by speeding up development and a labor shortage that threatens to postpone homebuilding and hike prices.
“We definitely are hearing hesitation,” said National Day Laborer Organizing Network communications coordinator Palmira Figueroa, a longtime labor organizer.
Over the past few days, I’ve been thinking about fear. She said the administration is trying to instill fear so immigrant workers return to the shadows.
The network works with informal laborers who prepare sites, monitor traffic, and more for the construction industry, which has relied more on foreign workers in recent years.
The industry’s direct and indirect effects from Trump’s crackdown are worrying.
The sector has 228,000 vacant positions in September.
Guatemalan migrants walk after arriving at La Aurora Air Force Base on a U.S. deportation flight in Guatemala City, December 27, 2024. Cristina Chiquin/Reuters
Go Deeper
Data: Trump’s mass deportation plan’s economic impact
September 16, 2015, a nurse listens to a client’s chest at the Diocese of Washington Catholic Charities’ Spanish Catholic Center. Jonathan Ernst/Reuters
Go Deeper
Deportation promises by Trump increase health system fears
From Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, January 22, 2024, a U.S. Border Patrol agent stands next to asylum seekers before returning them to Mexico after U.S. officials blocked their crossing. Jose Luis Gonzalez/Reuters
Go Deeper
How is Trump attacking ‘sanctuary’ cities?
Associated Builders and Contractors, a trade association, said in January that it would require 439,000 new workers this year and 500,000 next year to meet demand.
“The economy and country require us and our job. Immigrant labor is crucial “Figuerola told Context.
Figueroa cited the Los Angeles area, where migrant day laborers are being taught to clean up after the wildfires and will make up a large part of the needed manpower.
For years, similar workers have cleaned up after natural disasters, a difficult and poisonous profession.
The network has organized assemblies and “defense committees” since last summer to prepare for Trump’s election “helping workers learn their rights and prepare each other for this moment,” Figueroa added.
Undocumented immigrants support industry, agriculture, and health care in addition to construction.
Trump promises a “unprecedented” immigration crackdown and mass deportation of 11 million unauthorized immigrants.
Former workplace immigration raids have resumed.
Contractor associations worry the effects could last for years in Latino communities.
Like much of the country, this region’s construction business is Hispanic. Jose Sueiro, president of the 350-member Metro D.C. Hispanic Contractors Association, stated over 50% of workers and small firms are Hispanic-owned.
Trump’s immigration crackdown is on everyone’s mind, he added.
Changes in pattern are expected. Our community may stay home more and avoid specific areas “Sueiro.
“You will paralyse our industry but others, as well, because our workforce is the workforce that builds America.”
The White House declined comment.
Ripple impacts
The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) reported in November that more over a quarter of construction workers were immigrants in 2023, the latest year with statistics.
According to the group, California and New Jersey have 40% proportions.
“We have been persistently short hundreds of thousands of workers in the construction sector,” said NAHB CEO Jim Tobin, who represents 140,000 members.
“Because of that persistent lack, we’ve needed to look at immigration, hence why it’s critically important to this industry.”
In January, Mexican migrant laborer Cesar chops trees in Pasadena, California, for post-wildfire cleanup. Thomson Reuters Foundation/NDLON Handout
In January, Mexican migrant laborer Cesar chops trees in Pasadena, California, for post-wildfire cleanup. Thomson Reuters Foundation/NDLON Handout
Summary of today’s construction news
In summary, nearly 70% of respondents to the survey stated that a lack of trained trades was a barrier to construction activity. According to data from the monitor study, general labor shortages came in second place for over 60% of respondents.
On the other hand, in order to ensure fundamental aspects of workplace safety and equitable treatment of employees, CTUL has been assisting in the development of a legally binding standard called Building Dignity and Respect that is driven by workers and that construction companies can sign onto. Two major developers agreed to join the initiative in October, and Payne stated that CTUL is currently in negotiations with further developers.
