The State of the Construction Union
by Ron Kubitz
April 1, 2011
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I just received this bit of breaking news that flashed upon my e-mail screen, as well as on most of the major news outlets: the unemployment rate fell to a two-year low figure of 8.8 percent in March, according to the U.S. Department of Labor, capping the strongest two months of hiring since before the recession began.
Then as I read further, I realized the report goes on to say the construction sector is one of a handful that lost jobs.
I also read a few days ago in the San Diego Union Tribune that construction employment increased in 30 states between January and February 2011. Oh my—I also just noticed that many are stating the construction market remains stagnant at best … what do we take from all of this?
The bottom line is the construction industry remains fragile and ever-changing. How we view it depends on our individual focal point and possible self-interest. These facts remain however:
- The construction industry is still in a recession with unemployment rates near 20 percent.
- Construction spending remains down in the neighborhood of 30 percent.
- A strong and vital construction industry enables the United States to be more competitive on a global economic basis.
- A vibrant construction market is one of the fastest paths to declining unemployment.
Our industry is at a crossroads at present with a lot of discussion about taxes/tax credits, trade agreements, creation of an “Infrastructure Bank,” public/private partnerships, long-term infrastructure spending, etc. The time to act and help shape our future is NOW!
Sadly, we cannot always count on our elected officials to do the right things; therefore, as industry voices, we need to contact representatives and senators in large numbers in order to educate them and persuade them to act in the best interests of our industry and our economy.
I, for one, plan to aggressively educate my elected officials. Can I count on your support?
Ron Kubitz
Ron Kubitz is the recruiting manager for Brayman
Construction Corporation, located in Saxonburg,
Pa. As an accomplished presenter,
Ron is often sought after in regard to his expertise within the world of social
media.
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Title: State of the Union
By: Greg Rich
Posted: April 5, 2011 7:25 AM
I share the authors sentiments and concerns. But.....elected officials actually taking the time to care about what their constituents have to say??
Novel idea! The construction industry is in pain at present but i fear solutions will not be easy to come by!
Title: Construction
By: Tim Hudson
Posted: April 5, 2011 7:44 AM
Contact your local or the national AGC chapter as they have many form letters and topics of concern in which you can reach your elected offcials.
They have it set up that all of you have to do is click a few buttons and the info is sent to the right people for you!
Title: Damned Numbers
By: Frank Casebeer
Posted: April 5, 2011 10:35 AM
In this case the numbers do not lie and they are bleak to say the least. Jobs are scarce, equipment sales are down, unemployment in construction is high!
Projects for bid and in start-up phase are lagging...
When does the picture look brighter in your mind?
Title: Construction spending
By: Tina Jenks
Posted: April 8, 2011 4:42 PM
Looking bleaker by the day as our lovely elected officals (of the Republican) variety want to cut construction spending/funding by 20% or more.
Yikes..any alternatives??
Title: State of The Union
By: Alex D'Agnillo
Posted: April 14, 2011 8:48 PM
See last issue of Equipment World, editorial was "It's the Jobs, Stupid". I've been sending copies to my elected officials. Too bad they still won't get it.
Title: State of the Union
By: Jim Sweeney
Posted: April 20, 2011 5:12 PM
The elected officals will never get it and neither will we...unless we stop voting only on party lines and actually hold all folks accountable for their actions!