The shortage of skilled labor was deepened this Labor Day weekend, due to signs that the need for roofers, plumbers, electricians, carpenters and masons for concrete increases. JESSICA BAL MIAMI HERALD

WASHINGTON

The construction companies are no longer worried about finding works, but enough skilled workers. A problem that in recent months has worsened throughout the country and, of course, also in Florida.

For analysts, investors and construction managers, the issue has triggered the uproar, however, for many the range of hope opens for the sake of employment, especially after the celebration of Labor Day.

"The challenge of the sector's workforce is at this time a shortage of qualified employees," said Stephen Sandherr, the CEO of the Association of General Contractors of the United States, adding that those skilled workers, who charge by the hour, are "The bulk of the working force of this industry".

The shortage, which underlines a new survey of the group among its members, became more pronounced this weekend with the celebration of Labor Day, due to signs that demand from techers, plumbers, electricians, carpenters and masons for concrete will increase. , the same squares of which there is a shortage.

The federal Department of Labor projects that the national demand for these categories, except for carpenters, will increase significantly over the next 10 years in the general labor market.

Presidential candidates Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump have pledged to increase spending on infrastructure to boost employment, but where are the workers who would build these new bridges and highways?

In Florida, for example, Clint Sockman, of Advanced Roofing, said his company has a hard time finding employees.

"There is no doubt that we see the effects of an aging workforce," he said.

Part of the solution, he said, is to encourage more young people to join the sector. His company, along with several others, launched last year a training program that trains and employs workers.

The problem is not new, said Brad Meltzer of Plaza Construction. The president of this South Florida company said he observed a high level of the problem two years ago. Now, he added, he has seen the market stabilize at a time when construction companies project scarcity.

"The problem is still there, but people have found a way to play with the schedules to solve it," Meltzer said. "In a project that was previously planned for 15 months, now it is planned for 17."

In the survey of 1,500 members, the association said companies were facing shortages with increased hours of work, pay and benefits.

Almost half of the companies surveyed - 48 percent - reported having increased the base payment of skilled workers, due to shortages. And 47 percent said it was increased overtime.

"I do not think there's a shortage of workers, but rather exceptionally cheap labor," said Jay Hodges, who runs programs in Missouri and Kansas for the Laborers-Employers Cooperation and Education Trust, which works with contractors and the Laborers. 'International Union of North America to participate in tendered projects. "A lot of things are happening and people are not stupid. What they see ... is that they can get a salary of more than $ 8 or $ 10 an hour. "