In its report, “Building for the Future: Advancing Equal Opportunity in the Construction Industry,” the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) identifies the challenges to diversity and inclusion in the industry and promises to take steps, including releasing industry-specific technical assistance for employers, unions, and workers, to enhance diversity and inclusion.
Referencing the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 (IIJA) and the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022, the Report notes these “federal infrastructure investments provide a once-in-a-generation opportunity to break down barriers and expand opportunity in the construction industry.”
The Report provides numerous examples of alleged harassment and discrimination in the construction industry against women and minorities. EEOC proposes to collaborate with key industry stakeholders — including contractors, unions, worker representatives, and civil rights organizations — to address these challenges.
Key Findings
EEOC identified areas requiring renewed focus and action:
- Women and People of Color are underrepresented in the construction industry as a whole, especially in higher-skilled, higher-paid positions in trades and management.
o Women constitute 47% of the overall U.S. workforce, but only 11% of construction workers, and they hold only 8.5% of construction management positions.
o African Americans constitute 12.6% of the overall U.S. workforce, but only 6.7% of construction workers, and they...
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