Quote Originally Posted by Hlleonard View Post
I have to admit I know very little about the pay scale of the folks who work for the government and are paid by tax dollars so I will refrain from voicing an opinion about these folks ...I do agree that unions were not expressly responsible for the wages of most working folks, I do however believe that even non-union pay scale was affected by union wages in the past ...I believe most companies/corporations will pay the least wage or salary that they can get by with to get the job done ...There are a few of you fellas who post here that have been fortunate in that you have acquired the training/experience to earn a good living in your chosen career, not everybody has the ability or the will to do what you have done and I congratulate you but that doesn't strip the folks who choose to work in more mundane jobs of the right to earn a living without needing public assistance ...If employers voluntarily paid their employees a decent wage then unions would not be necessary and neither would illegals who have affected pay scales a great deal, Employers will pay an illegal half the wage to get a job done just because he can ...Most Americans don't wish to live 10 or 20 in a trailer or house the way these folks do, If a company owner or operator wants their work force to live that way then they are doing a great disservice to our way of life.
You hit the nail on the head with illegals in the work force. Man that has a huge impact on construction. We have spots in town that have 15-20 mexicans hanging out in the mornings waiting for rides and anyone who wants cheap labor. I would guess they are illegal but I don't have proof.

We can thank our politicians for that...both parties and all levels of gubment!

I was handed a shovel when I first worked for an electrical contractor in Florida and that lasted about a month! Heck with that! I found my way to wiring emergency lights and trimming out buildings which lasted about a month and then I quit to start working with a systems contractor installing clocks, intercom, fire alarm and fiber.....best move I ever made!

This was back in the late 80's early 90's. I was making $5.75- $7 an hour. Man it was tough but we made it.