Summer construction slows down due to lack of labor
Summer remodeling and construction have slowed down due to the lack of specialized labor workers. The case is related to the supply and demand for labor. The number of workers has declined as compared to their demand. The ongoing projects are facing pressure due to the steady decline in the number of craftsmen.
David Van Osdol of MacPherson Builders said, “Frankly, there are not enough people doing this right now.” The constructors are paying more or waiting for the electricians, plumbers, and carpenters. There is a shortage of them at the construction works. Osdol has been present in the construction field for 20 years. He says that it is good to stay busy but the lack of specialized workers is a frustration for them.
There is no doubt that the construction industry is facing a huge challenge of the skilled labor shortage. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics released the data about the number of construction jobs. The data suggests that the number of construction jobs increased by 21000 in June. The number of jobs increased by 3% over the last 12 months.
The US Chamber of Commerce Commercial Construction Index also released key data about the construction industry. The data reveals that the firms are asking their workers to do 81% extra work. At least 70% of firms have failed to meet the deadlines. Firms are also increasing costs of new work and 63% of firms have increased the costs, according to the data.
Osdol thinks that the shortage of skilled labor was started four or five years ago. Some experts even think that the trend goes far behind. The lack of specialized workers has slowed down the pace of projects, Osdol said. Chicago Public Schools took an initiative to offer a construction training program in collaboration with the Department of Buildings. The program is for the high school juniors and seniors. The participants will get paid work experiences and credits.
