BIG differences between union vs. non-union construction workers

[Sherman A1]

Low-paid non-union construction workers need public assistance

By ED FINKELSTEIN
Publisher

In yet another example why unions in the construction industry are essential to the welfare of its workforce, a recent study from the University of California Berkley Labor Center dramatically makes the case.

In the study “The Public Cost of Low-Wage Jobs in the United States Construction Industry,” documents two obvious conclusions:

First, because of wage differences, non-union construction workers have to rely on public assistance programs at a higher rate because of their low pay and few, if any, benefit protections.

Second, this is the result of substantial wage differences as a result of “no bid” requirements for many building projects.

https://labortribune.com/big-differences-between-union-vs-non-union-construction-workers/

[4Q2u2]

1. As ever it was

Last edited Mon Mar 14, 2022, 10:39 AM - Edit history (1)

Non-Union Co's know pretty much the bid for a Union Outfit going in. Wages are set and everybody uses the same Goods and supply chain pretty much. So all they do is under bid the Union Company by only 2 or 3% and they are the lowest bidder.
So 100 Million Dollar project is still almost 100 Million. The only difference is who the money goes to. It is not the workers in the Nonunion shops.

I was leaned on many times to work for cash under the table on jobs. Told them to Fuck Off and pay me my Union Rate.
Once right after the Owner was bragging about his Brand New 48' Boat. Told him maybe he should have bought the 38' instead.

Other tricks of the Trade on Prevailing wage jobs that Non-Union win. Cash back. After employee is paid full Union rate, then they have to cash their checks and pay back in cash to the company the difference between what they usually make and the Union Rate. If not they are laid off. Another one they like is putting their kids on the payroll. I saw one job had this guys three kids drawing checks. All were under the age of 10.

You pay peanuts you get monkeys to do your work. Said the Organ Grinder.

Heavy Highway and Commercial Construction for over 30 yrs Now.

[Bernardo de La Paz]

3. Cash under the table is a form of money laundering. . . . nt

[Chainfire]

2. That is not universally true, by any means

I spent 40 years in the construction industry, I was never a member of a Union, because union members had to travel. I lived a middleclass lifestyle, sent my kids to college, always lived in nice houses, that I owned, and am now enjoying a comfortable retirement.
We did not have the great benefits that Unions offered, but I certainly never required public assistance. My wife has a master's degree, always had a good, professional level job and over our working careers I actually made a little more money than she did.

I am a big fan of Unions, but in a right to work state, they did not work for everyone.