Craig Martin, Construction Attorney, Lamson Dugan & urray, LLP

Help Wanted in Construction Industry

Over 1,000 contractors participated in Associated General Contractors’ (“AGC”) survey asking whether they were facing a labor shortage. AGC crunched the numbers and provided an Analysis of its survey.

The survey revealed that 83% of construction firms were having trouble finding qualified workers. This survey certainly confirmed comments from construction firms in and around Omaha.

AGC also provided a regional analysis and below are some of the highlights for the Midwestern region.

  •  30% of employers reported having a hard time filing all key professional and craft worker positions.
  • 71% of employers reported trouble filling carpenter position; 66% reported trouble finding equipment operators; 60% reported trouble finding plumbers; and 59% reported finding cement masons.
  • 55% have increased pay and/or benefits to retain and/or recruit construction craft workers.

Take Away: As the construction industry continues to recover from the recession, qualified employees will likely be in shorter supply and demand increased compensation.

Authored by Craig MartinLamson, Dugan & Murray, LLP.