Until I discovered the large merit shop Construction companies of Texas Louisiana and the Carolinas my future in the industry was very uncertain. While working for these large companies I was often required to cross picket lines, run union gauntlets and always traveling far from home. However when all was considered I was able to find several long-term projects and made a good living wage. (A living wage is defined, as the wages required for supporting a family as its only income)
Large merit shop companies had grown out of the rural south where willing workers were glad to travel and work for a little less than union wages. As total perform design build companies they were able to control all aspects of their projects and manpower. Offering job security and even technical training to select employees enabled them to build loyalty and perform high quality work at a competitive price. One company even offered daycare services on some of its larger projects.
A hard-nosed approach to the opposition of union organization attempts was the rule. In the mid 1970’s a company that I was working for saw fit to hold a one-week seminar on organization prevention to all of its supervision.
During the 60’s 70’s and 80’s the trade union power was declining. While merit shop wages were good the federal government had taken on many of the union causes. (Social security, safety standards, 40 hr workweek, overtime pay) The right to work legislation, poor work ethics, outrageous demands and corruption further reduced the union power. As a result the union locals closed ranks and became complacent in taking care of their own. Their attempts to organize new jobs became less intense and less frequent. Some of the previously used organizing tactics are now illegal under new racketeering laws.
In the absence of the union threat some of the large construction companies have become construction management entities. They divide the large projects into smaller individual contracts and allow smaller companies to compete for the jobs. Obviously the companies that can reduce cost can have a greater advantage. Cost reduction techniques include exploiting immigrant labor, hiring lesser skilled craft, compromising safety and quality, and using inferior material.
In the race to the bottom of wages and living standards every dip in the economy causes an industry wide reduction in wages. Surges in the economy don’t bring them back. Over the last 20 years every project that I worked required some compromises in wage and benefit. In short wages in the merit shops have not kept pace with the cost of living and the unions share of the work is shrinking.
Is it now time for trade unions to step up to the challenge? I doubt that they have the ability or the desire. In the modern world the only route that looks clear is in the political process. A repeal or modification of trade agreements like NAFTA would be a good start. Tax incentives for manufacturing inside the U.S. would also be a big help.
Could the trades unions possible be effective in bringing about this type of change? Most likely they could not. Today’s union memberships are not able to deliver the large voting block as they did in the past.
Is there another way?
Howard Watkins