Associated Builders and Contractors reported today that its Construction Backlog Indicator rose to 8.8 months in April, according to an ABC member survey conducted from April 20 to May 4. The reading is up 0.2 months from March and up 0.1 months from April 2025.

Construction input prices increased 1.7% in April compared to the previous month, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Producer Price Index data. Nonresidential construction input prices increased 1.8% for the month.

As you may know, Massachusetts voters will be weighing in on a number of ballot initiatives in November.  Among them is a proposal to impose the nation’s strictest statewide rent control policy.  I’d like to tell you why the ABC MA Board of Directors has voted to join Housing for Massachusetts, a coalition of small property owners, affordable housing developers, business and political leaders and housing advocates that oppose the proposal.

The construction industry added 9,000 jobs on net in April, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data. On a year-over-year basis, industry employment has expanded by 50,000 jobs, an increase of 0.6%.

The construction industry had 224,000 job openings on the last day of March, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey data. JOLTS defines a job opening as any unfilled position for which an employer is actively recruiting. Industry job openings increased by 23,000 last month but are down by 54,000 from the same time last year.

With the April 21, 2026 Ninth Circuit court’s affirmation of the NLRB Cemex bargaining order coming on the heels of the March 6th circuit rejection of it, the NLRB will likely continue applying its union-friendly organizing framework outside the Sixth Circuit (MA is in the 1st Circuit).  These conflicting court decisions raise the likelihood of a Supreme Court showdown.

ICE penalties are increasing to $300 to $3000 per violation. Employers need to ensure compliance to escape extraordinary penalties.

Each year ABC’s national convention is jam packed with events and award presentations.  This year’s convention in Salt Lake City last month was no exception, but amid all the noteworthy moments, I’d like to take a moment to shine a light on the National Craft Championships that were also part of the agenda.

The construction industry had 202,000 job openings on the last day of February, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey. JOLTS defines a job opening as any unfilled position for which an employer is actively recruiting. Industry job openings decreased by 28,000 in February and are down by 53,000 from the same time last year.

The construction industry added 26,000 jobs in March, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data. On a year-over-year basis, industry employment has grown by 57,000 jobs, an increase of 0.7%.