According to the latest U.S. Department of Labor data, the industry shed another 5,000 jobs in November, with overall jobs at their lowest number since March. With nearly 1.6 million men and women unable to find work, construction unemployment rose to 18.8 percent.

Building Trades unions in Minnesota report even higher numbers of workers "on the bench."

Terry O’Sullivan, general president of the Laborers International Union of North America, condemned the failure of Congress to extend unemployment benefits, while lawmakers continue tax breaks for the wealthy.

“This is shameful,” said O’Sullivan, whose union represents a half-million workers. “It is the result of the same weak-willed behavior that has allowed our country’s pressing needs, such roads and bridges, water resources and school facilities to deteriorate – foregoing the opportunity to put men and women back to work.

“Our leaders need to focus on creating jobs, and the best way to do that is to pass a fully-funded, six-year Surface Transportation Bill. Just this one piece of legislation could create 8 million good jobs over four years, get our economy moving and leave behind real assets for taxpayers and future generations.”

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