Soaring material prices, supply chain delays spook owners and developers

The rising cost of many materials and increased sourcing headaches have project owners rethinking their return to normalcy and threaten to derail construction's expected resurgence.

By Joe Bousquin • April 12, 2021

Roadblocks to Recovery: The factors that could slow construction's comeback from COVID-19

Escalating labor costs, rising material prices and nervous clients could all stand in the way of construction's return to normalcy. Here Construction Dive tracks the factors that could slow the industry's return to normalcy.

April 12, 2021

Explore the Trendline➔

Labor

A roundup of articles about issues affecting the workforce.

By Construction Dive staff

Walsh indicates support for minimum wage hike, collective bargaining

In interviews last week, Labor Secretary Marty Walsh took worker-first positions on wages and the right to organize.

By Joe Bousquin • April 6, 2021

In first week, Walsh talks about unions, jobsite inspectors, COVID-19 standard

Labor Secretary Marty Walsh discussed several issues of importance to U.S. contractors in his first days on the job.

By Joe Bousquin • March 29, 2021

Senate passes bill extending PPP deadline to May 31

The bill, which extends the deadline for Paycheck Protection Program applications for another two months, awaits President Joe Biden's signature.

By Anna Hrushka • March 26, 2021

Construction will face a labor gap of 430K workers this year, ABC says

U.S. construction companies will need to hire at least 430,000 and as many as 1 million workers this year, according to Associated Builders and Contractors. 

By Jennifer Goodman • March 26, 2021

Contractors' revenue expectations rise

While construction pros are feeling more optimistic than they were a year ago, concerns over labor, material costs and steel tariffs linger, according to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

By Jennifer Goodman • March 23, 2021

All surety is not alike: proactive claims team provides big benefits

One change order dispute can jeopardize multiple projects without the RIGHT surety in your corner. 

By Gina Lockwood, Director of Claims, Merchants Bonding Company • March 22, 2021

Lawmakers introduce plan to extend PPP deadline to May 31

Small businesses will have two additional months to submit an application for a Paycheck Protection Program loan under the bill, and the Small Business Administration will have until June 30 to close pending applications.

By Anna Hrushka • March 15, 2021

Construction employment falls nearly 7% year over year

While last month's severe weather in the South may have played a role in some job losses, economists are divided over whether the decline signals more serious problems ahead.

By Jennifer Goodman • March 8, 2021

Despite 2020 layoffs, construction's labor woes persist

As the construction industry begins to recover from the pandemic, labor is getting harder to find and more expensive, a new analysis shows.

By Jennifer Goodman • March 4, 2021

Buttigieg says infrastructure faces a 'once-in-a-lifetime moment' as bridges, roads get C- grade

Speaking at the unveiling of the American Society of Civil Engineers' infrastructure report card yesterday, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said now is the time to fix America’s crumbling infrastructure.

By Joe Bousquin • March 4, 2021

Amazon Fresh builds its 10th store

The grocer has reached the 10-store milestone in just over five months with many more locations on the way.

By Jeff Wells • March 3, 2021

Biden calls union reps 'real friends,' seeks their infrastructure input

The president yesterday met with the leaders of several construction-related unions, nominated a new head of the National Labor Relations Board and bolstered his apprenticeship initiative. 

By Joe Bousquin • Feb. 18, 2021

Construction firms nab $13.7B total in PPP loans so far this year

The industry is second in total 2021 Paycheck Protection Program amounts after the restaurant and hotel category.

By Jennifer Goodman • Feb. 16, 2021

5 creative ways malls are repurposing their spaces

With lots of square footage and plenty of parking, shopping centers are rethinking ways to give their centralized locations new life. 

By Kaarin Moore • Feb. 16, 2021

Report: Most construction ESOPs not significantly impacted by pandemic

In a survey, 68% of construction firms with employee stock ownership plans reported their sustainability, cash flow and liquidity were not greatly affected, but 50% said 2020 profits took a hit.

By Kim Slowey • Feb. 12, 2021

Despite COVID-19 layoffs, construction union membership held steady in 2020

Newly released federal data also shows that wages for workers in unions and those covered by a union contract were greater than for nonunion workers.

By Kim Slowey • Feb. 2, 2021

Rebuilding an economy and growing diversity and inclusion

Simplify workforce and business compliance tracking and reporting so you can focus on what you do best – construction.

Feb. 1, 2021

Firms denied PPP forgiveness can take tax credit, IRS says

A change Congress made in December allows the credit for some Paycheck Protection Program loan recipients.

By Robert Freedman • Jan. 29, 2021

Report: Despite COVID-19, construction costs rose in these US cities

A new analysis from Rider Levett Bucknall details how construction costs have changed across 12 markets since before the coronavirus pandemic began.

By Jennifer Goodman • Jan. 28, 2021

Biden toughens Buy American rules

The revised policies, which will apply to the administration's plans for infrastructure and energy projects, will have ramifications for construction firms that do business with the federal government.

By Jennifer Goodman • Jan. 26, 2021

Biden likely to raise corporate tax rate

While President Joe Biden is expected to increase the top corporate tax rate to 28%, he may also push for new tax breaks for certain businesses.

By Robert Freedman • Jan. 22, 2021

Insurance 101 for small contractors

Here are 10 ways that small and medium-sized construction firms can keep insurance costs low while maintaining proper coverage.

By Rakesh Gupta • Jan. 22, 2021

How Biden's Inauguration Day executive orders will impact construction

From a review of environmental regulations to new federal contracting rules and immigration policies, many of President Joe Biden's actions on his first day in office have ramifications for construction firms across the country.

By Jennifer Goodman • Jan. 20, 2021