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News Briefs

Date Posted: December 10 2004

Modest growth for 2005 building
The Portland Cement Association (PCA) predicts an overall construction industry growth rate of 2.9 percent in the U.S. in 2005.

Such a jump would be welcome - even if it is modest. This year construction activity is expected to be up 9 percent over 2003 levels - but much of that rise is in the residential sector. In 2005, the PCA predicted that residential construction will experience its first drop in years, by .03 percent.

"The level and composition of construction spending is shifting," said Portland Cement Association chief economist Ed Sullivan. "In retrospect, 2004 represented a year of transition for the U.S. construction market. The strengthening economy and an increase in interest rates have set the stage for a recovery in public and nonresidential activity." Rising interest rates are expected to drive construction activity in the first part of 2005, giving impetus to homeowners to get their homes built.

"Through 2008, nonresidential and public spending are expected to assume the mantel of growth leadership," the PCA said.

In the world of cement, the Portland Cement Association said demand for its products would increase 2.9 percent in 2005 and 2.1 percent in 2006.

Benefits matter:Union vs. nonunion
A 2004 survey by the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics showed stark contrasts in U.S. employee benefit participation among various groups. A total of 4,703 private industry employers were surveyed.

In most cases, the numbers speak for themselves:

  • 89 percent of union workers have access to health care benefits, while only 
    two-thirds of non-union workers do. But while 81 percent of the union workers take the medical coverage, only half of the non-unionists do.
  • The survey showed that 69 percent of private employers offer some form of health insurance, but only 53 percent of workers take it. A decade ago, 63 percent of workers took the insurance.
  • Only four percent of employers offer medical insurance to retirees over age 65.
  • Most employees covered by medical care plans were in plans requiring 
    employee contributions for both single coverage and family coverage. Employee contributions to medical care premiums averaged $264.59 per month for family coverage. For single coverage, employee contributions averaged $67.57 per month.
  • Not counting fully employer-paid plans, union workers also paid less 
    for health care: $56.53 per month for each union worker, compared to $68.98 
    monthly for non-unionists.

Shop union this holiday season
With the holidays approaching, union members are reminded that there's a resource for union-made goods, at www.unionlabel.org. There you will find information on union-produced goods and services, as well as AFL-CIO boycott list.

A "shop union" tab has much information.