I'm a loyal employee and a hard worker, but my construction employer plays favorites and always gives the plum assignments to a particular co-worker. What can I do?

Just like real politicians, some construction managers practice partisanship. But don't automatically assume that you're a victim of favoritism. Before crying foul, make sure you communicate to your supervisor your interest in taking on additional responsibility. Your construction manager might simply be waiting for you to step up and show initiative.