Labor


  • workers rest in the shade
    Image attribution tooltip
    Anna Moneymaker via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    OSHA hearings hint at revised heat rule

    Though many expected the Trump administration to kill the proposed regulation, the agency may simply tone it down to a more performance-based standard, experts say.

    By June 26, 2025
  • Scaffold workmen on high rise facade
    Image attribution tooltip
    JayLazarin via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    Contractors back New York’s Scaffold Law update

    Liability insurance premiums in New York generally run about 30% higher than in other states due to the legislation, builders say.

    By June 26, 2025
  • A woman speaks into a microphone during a hearing in front of Congress.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Anna Moneymaker via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    Employers should regularly check E-Verify for authorization status changes, DHS warns

    The Trump administration recently revoked work authorization status for more than half a million noncitizens from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela.

    By Emilie Shumway • June 25, 2025
  • A rendering of JetZero's Greensboro, North Carolina, facility.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of JetZero
    Image attribution tooltip

    Startup JetZero to build $4.7B factory in North Carolina

    The aircraft maker plans to create 14,500 jobs as it looks to produce more fuel-efficient, spacious planes.

    By Kate Magill • June 18, 2025
  • A man behind a desk.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Win McNamee via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    PLA mandate to stay, with exemptions: OMB

    The Trump administration said that it supports the use of project labor agreements on federal construction projects when they are “practicable and cost effective.”

    By June 13, 2025
  • A woman sitting in front of a microphone and speaking.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Andrew Harnik via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    OSHA’s proposed cuts won’t affect enforcement: DOL chief

    A smaller budget will “modernize and streamline” the department, Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer said in a recent House committee hearing.

    By June 12, 2025
  • a group of construction workers on break
    Image attribution tooltip
    Ivan Pantic via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip
    Opinion // Business Matters

    Strive for more than work-life balance

    A construction career can be deeply rewarding, not an experience to be dreaded, writes consultant Chad Prinkey.

    By Chad Prinkey • June 12, 2025
  • A seasoned professional gives advice to an early career worker.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of Skender Construction
    Image attribution tooltip
    Opinion

    Why construction needs to lean into better mentorships

    Teaching early-career professionals should go beyond technical know-how to give future leaders critical thinking and problem-solving skills, writes a senior project manager.

    By Nelson Frech • June 6, 2025
  • 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