The Bureau of Labor Statistics recently released its April jobs report, revealing that employment in the construction industry increased by 5,000 jobs (seasonally adjusted). While the economy added 211,000 jobs, total specialty trade employment contracted nominally, shedding 1,500 positions in April.
“While the country’s employment report is promising, the Construction Employers of America is concerned that specialty trade construction employment may be stagnating,” said Jack Jacobson, spokesperson for CEA. “Immediate action by Congress and the Administration on tax reform, repatriation of foreign corporate assets to domestic investment pools, and a public construction infrastructure package will shore up employment in the specialty construction sector and keep employment growing across the country.”
The BLS report did have a bright spot for the specialty construction industry as total residential and nonresidential specialty construction employment is up by 127,000 positions over the same point in 2016. April’s loss of 5,100 nonresidential specialty construction jobs serves as a warning and should spur policymakers to take immediate action.
“Our construction firms stand ready to rebuild America,” continued Jacobson. “CEA members continue to invest in workforce development, training, and robust apprenticeship programs to prepare the next generation of blue collar workers to build critical infrastructure. Federal action today will drive further job growth and employ more Americans that will strengthen the middle class for years to come.”
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