A familiar scenario is playing out as firms participating in ENR Southwest’s annual Top Contractors survey for Arizona, Nevada and New Mexico are reporting strong performance and backlogs, while at the same time, noting that qualified labor remains a top issue as well as materials availability and prices.
The actions, which took place during National Recovery Month, seek to propel the unionized construction industry to fight substance use disorder and help find ways for workers to improve their mental health.
Construction jobs are still hard to fill, and experts say efforts are hampered by the stereotypical image of the construction worker and a "market failure" illustrated by differences in how union and nonunion shops approach apprenticeships.