We have a brand new updated website! Click here to check it out!

Kansas dealing with construction worker shortage

associated general contractors of americaTOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A national trade association reports that commercial contractors in Kansas say they are struggling to fill construction jobs.

The Associated General Contractors of America reports that 83 percent of surveyed construction firms say they are facing difficulties filling in hourly craft positions, even though the state lost over 4,000 construction jobs from July 2015 to July 2016.

Lawmakers have attributed the job losses to delayed highway projects, according to the Topeka Capital-Journal .

Trade association CEO Stephen Sandherr says the most difficult positions to fill are carpenters, electricians, roofers, plumbers and concrete workers.

He says nearly half of firms nationwide have responded to worker shortages by raising base pay rates for craft workers.

But Sandherr says shortages are not going to be alleviated any time soon, partially due to the increasing demand for construction work in many other parts of the country.

Copyright Eagle Radio | FCC Public Files | EEO Public File