Construction firms added 16,000 jobs in August, according to an analysis of federal employment data released on Sept. 2 by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials said their newly released survey, conducted with Autodesk, showed contractors are eager to hire more employees but are being stymied by a dearth of qualified workers.

On Sept. 2, the General Services Administration published a direct final rule amending the Federal Management Regulation to revise the ban on soliciting employees of contractors in GSA-controlled buildings so that union organizers can access these workers. The rule is effective immediately while open to a 60-day comment period that ends Nov. 1.

Total construction spending decreased by 0.4% in July as spending on new houses and apartments tumbled, overshadowing a pickup in private nonresidential and public construction, according to an analysis the Associated General Contractors of America released on Sept. 1 of federal spending data.

The Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance has released three updated documents describing test procedures and performance requirements for organic coatings applied to aluminum extrusions and panels for architectural products. The documents are AAMA 2603-22, AAMA 2604-22 and AAMA 2605-22.

DuPont Performance Building Solutions announced today their DuPont ArmorWall Systems received two updated fire listings from the International Code Council – ICC-ESL-1302, applicable to ASTM E119, and ICC-ESL-1442, applicable to NFPA 285.

Augmented Reality technology is still relatively new to the industry, and many contractors aren’t aware of how it can be used in their everyday operations. In a new white paper published today on #DirectAccess, JLG provides an in-depth look at how augmented reality can assist with 1) Sizing and configuring equipment and 2) Helping operators better understand and use their machines.

RIDGID, a part of Emerson’s professional tools portfolio, recently hosted their fifth annual RIDGID Experience trip, a VIP event that invites select members of the skilled trades to gather for fun, camaraderie and hands-on experiences. The event also serves as a “thank you” to the trades for the role they play in building and maintaining our country’s infrastructure.

WEATHER GUARD, the industry leader in work truck equipment, today is announcing the kickoff to its college football campaign, timed with the official launch of the new season.

Simpson Strong-Tie, the leader in engineered structural connectors and building solutions, announced that its Vice President of Engineering, Annie Kao, has been named to the Top Women in Hardware & Building Supply class of 2022 for Business Excellence. Kao is responsible for engineering strategy, management and innovation across all product lines at Simpson Strong-Tie.

EIMA has announced a Call for Entries for the 2022 EIFS Project Hero Awards. The EIFS Hero Awards program, now in its fifth year, recognizes outstanding projects in the EIFS industry in a variety of building categories. Award winning entries will demonstrate the unique attributes of exterior insulation and finish systems.