
Construction boom leads to shortage of workers
CBC
The construction industry in Windsor Essex is in crisis. Contractors and sub-trades are finding it hard to find workers to fill positions.
"We're still trying to help those people [Bridging North America] build a new bridge and they're not even close to full employment. So next year, around this time, they're going to be looking for hundreds more bodies," said Jim Lyons, executive director of the Windsor Construction Association.
The association has a portal on its website where companies can post job openings and people looking for work can post resumes. It is also linked to the website for Workforce Windsor Essex. The association hopes taking the digital route will help recruit new employees.
"Right now, we could probably take on about 20 people. We see over the next year, probably double that," said Robert Troup, owner of Trojan Interior Contracting, a dry walling company.
There are a wide variety positions open.
"Anywhere from estimate or project managers to labourers, foreman, superintendents," said Rose Ferro, vice-president of Ferro Construction.
It's hard for the contractors to explain the shortage. Part of the reason is a building boom which has caused a jump in demand for people to do the work. It's causing projects to be delayed, affecting both heavy construction and home building.

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