The construction industry gained about 14,000 jobs in April, according to Labor Department estimates, marking the first two-month gain since 2006, with 29 states gaining construction industry jobs. Much of the gain is due to federal stimulus money, much of it for infrastructure projects. The value of construction permits is also rising as the industry begins to heat up. However, many view the heavy competition for jobs as a detriment to safety and health standards, as companies try to cut costs to win jobs. Many workers and companies have left the industry due to the lack of work. The industry is expected to continue to slowly improve over the coming months.
See "Construction industry builds up steam, adds 14,000 jobs", Alana Semuels, Los Angeles Times, May 23, 2010