Texas Construction Industry Boom Masks Foundational Issues
Study Reveals Widespread Dangerous Practices
*PRESS RELEASE*
AUSTIN – On Wednesday, March 11, Workers Defense Project and the Center for Urban Development at the University of Illinois will release the study, “Behind the Texas Miracle: The Unstable Foundation of the Texas Construction Industry.” The study examines the working conditions of construction workers in Austin, Dallas-Fort Worth, and Houston metropolitan areas. Behind the Texas Miracle surveyors collected information from 353 construction workers employed on construction sites valued at $500,000 or more in the three metro areas.
These three cities frame much of the “Texas Triangle,” the fastest-growing area of this rapidly growing state, making it one of the most important construction markets in the United States. Projects across these three metro areas account for more than 70 percent of statewide construction spending.
Yet, results from the study reveal that construction jobs across the Texas Triangle are substandard: most workers do not earn a living wage for one individual (let alone an entire family), few receive adequate safety training, and opportunities for career advancement are limited. With labor shortages mounting, now is the time for policymakers and industry leaders to ensure that all construction jobs provide family-supporting wages, benefits, and safe worksites.
To this end, this report concludes with a set of policy recommendations to strengthen the construction industry and protect its workforce.
What: Hybrid Press Conference for Study Release: Behind the Texas Miracle: The Unstable Foundation of the Texas Construction Industry
Where: Workers Defense Office, 5604 Manor Road, Austin, TX 78723
When: Wednesday, March 11 from 3-3:30 PM
What: Researchers, construction workers, and Workers Defense staff
Reporters covering this event should RSVP to Workers Defense Communications Director Christine Bolaños by 12 pm on Wednesday, March 11 at christine@wdactionfund.org or at 512-466-9258. Those who are outside of Austin and RSVP will receive a Zoom link prior to event for hybrid option. Interviews are also available after the press conference for those unable to attend.
