Arizona Lost 700 Construction Jobs in 2010, Ranks 20th in U.S. for Construction Job Losses
While most business sectors in the United States are indicating recovery from the recession, the construction industry is continuing to lose jobs. A new survey released by the Associated General Contractors of America (AGCA) suggests that the construction industry may suffer even more job losses within the next year, reports The Phoenix Business Journal.
Between December 2009 and December 2010, 36 states in the U.S. lost construction jobs, resulting in a total loss of about 93,000 jobs, according to the survey. Arizona was one of those states, ranking at number 20. Statistics from the U.S. Department of Labor show that Arizona lost approximately 700 construction jobs in 2010, which is about 0.6 percent of the total construction labor force in the country. In particular, Arizona suffered substantial construction job losses in December, in which the sector lost about 3,400 jobs. Following these losses, there are now only around 113,000 construction jobs in Arizona.
According to Ken Simonson, the chief economist of the AGCA, the construction sector in particular faces severe challenges. He states, “The industry is coping with weak demand, declining stimulus activity and a growing political aversion to investing in aging infrastructure.”
Overall, the survey found that the majority of construction firms in the U.S. plan to hire, instead of cut, workers in 2011, despite stagnant demand. However, that is not the case in Arizona.
In a report issued by the American Institute of Architects (AIA), the largest declines in the construction industry will likely be in industrial construction, which is down 11.8 percent, followed by office buildings at 7.9 percent, public safety buildings at 6.7 percent, and hotels at 6.2 percent. The AIA predicts that the only growth areas for 2011 will be in amusement or recreation areas, health care facilities, and religious sites, all of which are expected to grow about 1 percent.
If you are a construction worker in Arizona and have been injured while on the job, talk with the Phoenix construction accident injury lawyers at The Breyer Law Offices P.C. We can help you understand your legal rights and options, as well as help you decide whether you have a substantial claim against a negligent party. Call 602-978-6400 today.
