Category: Labor & Workforce Development
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June 2025 Construction Unemployment Rate Holds Steady Nationwide, Varies by State
The national not seasonally adjusted (NSA) construction unemployment rate for June 2025 was 3.4%, according to an analysis of U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data released by Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC). This marks a slight 0.1 percentage point increase from June 2024. The state-by-state analysis found that: 18 states reported lower construction unemployment rates…
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We’re Busy, Just not as we Were: State of the Concrete Industry
Dirk Tharpe, territory sales manager at Oldcastle APG — makers of Sakrete and Amerimix, shares his insight into the state of the concrete industry and the challenges contractors are managing daily. Concrete Contractor connected with Tharpe over email in June 2025. Q. What have been the biggest challenges for concrete contractors so far in 2025?…
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Construction Job Openings Rise in June, But Hiring Stays Sluggish
Contractors had 246,000 open positions to fill at the end of June, according to new data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, analyzed by the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC). While that’s an increase of 14,000 openings from May, it’s still 39,000 fewer than at the same time last year. While open positions are…
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Why Contractor Qualification Is Now a Cornerstone of Construction Risk Management in 2025
As the construction industry enters the second half of 2025, one trend is becoming increasingly clear: contractor qualification is becoming a central pillar of how project owners manage risk, verify readiness and meet rising insurance expectations. With contractors making up a growing share of the active workforce on commercial and industrial job sites, clients must…
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Why Construction’s Summer Safety Plans Must Include Mental Health
Summertime means intense heat and challenging working conditions for many Americans. In the construction trade, the inevitable result is a rise in serious injuries and fatalities (SIFs) — and a renewed focus on physical safety measures. However, as we pay more attention to the prevention of heat-related illnesses and accidents during the summer, a crucial…
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How AI-Powered Time Tracking Is Revolutionizing Construction Labor Management
Construction has entered a new era of labor intelligence, where timekeeping isn’t just about tracking hours but about gaining strategic insights into workforce performance. The hard truth is simple: if you can’t measure your labor accurately, you can’t manage your business. And right now, most construction companies are flying blind. Labor accounts for 30% or…
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Choosing the Right PPE for Construction: Gloves and Eyewear That Match the Job
In the construction industry, personal protective equipment (PPE) is more than a regulatory checkbox — it’s a critical part of staying safe on the job. But not all PPE is created equal, and not every glove or pair of safety glasses will suit every task. Selecting the right protection means understanding the specific hazards of…
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Hitachi Construction Machinery Europe Restructures Leadership to Drive Growth and Agility
Hitachi Construction Machinery in Europe has announced the appointment of Dr. Hubertus Muenster as Director of Sales, Rental, and Distribution Management, effective July 1, 2025. The leadership change is part of a broader restructuring of the company’s Sales & Marketing division, with the goal of becoming more responsive to market needs and closer to its…
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How Safety Professionals Can Control Costs Without Compromising Worker Protection
Economic volatility and persistent financial pressures characterize the current economic landscape. Businesses across all industries are scrutinizing every expenditure, leading to widespread calls for belt-tightening and greater efficiency. One area where this scrutiny is especially evident is how organizations allocate resources for critical initiatives, including workplace safety. Healthcare costs are set to increase by 5.8-9%…
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Staying Productive in 2025: State of the Concrete Industry
Jeff Keeling, vice president of sales and marketing at Brokk Inc., shares his insight into the state of the concrete industry and the challenges contractors are managing daily. Concrete Contractor connected with Keeling over email in June 2025. Q. Where are concrete contractors at with employment and the skilled labor shortage? Labor shortages continue to…