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Latest News and Trends in the Construction Industry

HECO Accuses Carpenters Union Of ‘Shakedown’
Hawaiian Electric Co. and an influential labor union got into a high-profile political fight Thursday, exchanging accusations that the union was engaged in a “shakedown” and that the utility was

Hawaiian Electric statement on carpenters’ smear campaign
Hawaiian Electric is pushing back against what it calls a “smear campaign” by the Hawaii Regional Council of Carpenters, claiming the attacks are retaliation for refusing to sign a 20-year

Hawaii’s Workforce Shift: Over 69% of Workers Opt for Nonunion Employment
Hawaii’s construction workforce is undergoing a significant transformation, with more than 69% of private-sector employees choosing not to work under union representation. This shift underscores a broader trend in the

Construction Employment Growth Strong in February
The construction industry added 19,000 jobs on net in February, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of data released today by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. On

Empowering Change: Celebrating Women in Construction Week
The National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) initiated Women in Construction Week. This special week highlights women as a vital part of the construction industry. It’s a time to

How to Become a Competent Person OSHA Certified
Have you been on a construction site and asked yourself who is responsible for safety? That person, responsible for identifying potential hazards and correcting them, is what the Occupational Safety

240 Electrical Upgrades: Essential Guide for Contractors
Understanding 240 electrical systems is vital when dealing with high-powered appliances. It powers things like ovens, dryers, and air conditioners. Most homes come equipped, but knowing the specifics can help

ABC’s Construction Backlog Indicator Increases, Contractors Remain Confident
Associated Builders and Contractors reported today that its Construction Backlog Indicator increased to 8.4 months in January, according to an ABC member survey conducted Jan. 21 to Feb. 3. The

All But 3 States Had Construction Unemployment Rates Below 10% in December 2024
The national December 2024 not seasonally adjusted construction unemployment rate was 5.2%, up 0.8% from December 2023, according to a state-by-state analysis of U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data released today by

ABC: Construction Industry Must Attract 439,000 Workers in 2025
The construction industry will need to attract an estimated 439,000 net new workers in 2025 to meet anticipated demand for construction services, according to a proprietary model developed and released today by

ABC: Victory for Taxpayers and Construction Industry as Court Rules Biden’s Project Labor Agreement Policy Is Illegal
Associated Builders and Contractors today celebrated a decision from the U.S. Court of Federal Claims that rules in favor of ABC members that filed bid protests challenging former President Joe Biden’s controversial

Construction Industry Outlook 2025: Trends and Forecasts
The construction industry is buzzing about 2025. Understanding the construction industry outlook for 2025 is crucial for success. We’ll analyze predictions, explore market trends, and examine technology’s impact on the

Exploring the Benefits of Merit Shop Construction Practices
This post explores merit shop construction, explaining its principles, benefits, and how it differs from union-based models. We’ll also look at its real-world impact and address some common questions. Construction

How to Become a Construction Instructor
Are you thinking about becoming a construction instructor? It’s a rewarding career path for experienced professionals. Shaping future tradespeople is fulfilling and personally rewarding. The construction industry needs skilled instructors.

Essential Construction Safety Training Hawaii
In Hawaii’s dynamic construction industry, safety is paramount. Construction safety training is essential because of the islands’ unique environment and diverse workforce. It protects workers, strengthens businesses, and fosters a

Construction Apprenticeship Programs Hawaii: Your Path to a Skilled Trade
Are you looking to kickstart a rewarding career in the construction industry? Construction apprenticeship programs in Hawaii might be the perfect fit. This blog post will explore these programs, covering