The construction industry is in dire need of more workers right now. A report released last week by the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) revealed that 80% of construction firms nationwide are having a hard time filling hourly craft positions. That number is even higher for Texas firms, at 84%.
“Workforce shortages remain one of the single most significant threats to the construction industry,” said Stephen E. Sandherr, AGC Chief Executive Officer.
After two thirds of construction firms increased base pay rates for craft workers, the workforce shortage is still growing. As a result, “44 percent of firms report they are increasing construction prices and 29 percent are putting longer completion times into their bids for new work," said AGC’s press release. That means more days of construction supervision, interest cost, and delayed rentals, lease payments, and or sales proceeds. In some cases these are deal killers for developers and contractors.
We must have federal legislation that creates a method for undocumented workers to earn their legal status. It is a well known fact that a significant portion of Texas’ construction workers are undocumented immigrants, some studies estimating half.
It is nonsensical to be deporting workers, especially those who have acquired the skills from years of on-the-job training.
At 3.4% unemployment, Texas is better than full employment. There are more open jobs than people looking for them. We need more workers, not fewer.
This is why TXSIP and our sponsors are calling on Congress to pass sensible immigration policy that secures the border and creates a currently non-existent method to ID and tax undocumented immigrants. The process must require undocumented workers to provide a positive ID, pass a criminal background check, agree to work only for employers that deduct and match taxes, and agree to go to the “back of the line” position to apply for citizenship.
Please join us in asking your lawmakers to support sensible immigration policy.
God bless you, and may He continue to bless America.