It is a growing concern in the construction industry that many are all too familiar with: an increasing labor shortage. Another shortage that may not be as obvious to some but nonetheless possesses a large impact is under-representation of minorities within the construction workforce.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that 60.9% of construction workers identified as non-Hispanic white in 2020, Hispanic people making up 30% of the construction workforce, while only 5% are non-Hispanic Black people. These statistics do not reflect the demographics of the community, nor the general workforce of which Blacks make up 11.3%.
In 2022, the construction industry saw a bounce-back due to postponed projects in 2020 and 2021 which increased the labor shortage gap. Due to an aging workforce and a lack of minority representation contributing to the gap, JE Dunn has begun exploring solutions which include a number of programs and events such as the Minority Contractor Development (MCD) program, Construction Workforce Industry Day and Building the Future program.
“JE Dunn recognizes that the answer to increasing opportunities and minority representation in the industry is a complex one and involves not only a commitment from owners, leadership and project teams, but also requires a multifaceted approach,” says Kisha Bausby senior diversity, equity & inclusion manager at JE Dunn Construction. “JE Dunn approaches the diversity divide in a number of ways, including recruitment, site labor and the utilization of small and diverse businesses.”
See below to read more in the Kansas City Business Journal about JE Dunn’s continued efforts to close the minority labor gap and how the company is taking steps to cultivate partnerships to grow the talent pool and help individuals.
