Construction employment plunged in the Midwest, as in other regions, in December, according month-to-month comparisons compiled by Arlington, Va.- based Associated General Contractors of America (AGC). Ohio proved the exception in the Midwest, adding 4,000 jobs in December, a turnabout after several months of declines. By comparison, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Missouri and Wisconsin posted job losses ranging from -1.900 to -7,000.

From November to December, construction employment decreased in 32 states and increased in 18 states. Gains tended to be modest, in the 1% to 3% range.