Pay Hikes for Craftworkers Continue Amid Labor Shortage.

The article discusses the ongoing trend of wage increases for craftworkers in the construction industry. Both union and open-shop employers are offering historically high wage increases to combat labor shortages and keep workers satisfied. Data from the Construction Labor Research Council shows that first-year increases in union settlements reached 4.7% at the end of 2023, and subsequent settlements are expected to be around 4.6%. The southern states have seen some of the largest increases, while the northeast has remained at the lowest level of increases. The article also mentions specific trades and the challenges faced during negotiations. Additionally, it highlights the strong pay increases for merit shop workers and the impact of inflation on workers' purchasing power. The article concludes by emphasizing the ongoing labor shortage in the industry and the potential for further wage increases in the future. [Extracted from the article]