Local native born Americans could get off their posteriors and apply for these jobs, something that is not happening (where I live, at least). In fact, they finally closed down a bricklayer apprentice program because nobody applied - despite the fact that a bricklayer can make way more than minimum wage, and nothing was required except being a citizen, attending the program and learning how to lay brick
I understand what you are saying but most of these guys that won't take the apprentice program know what they are saying also. You will take the program and work for us at about half of what the job is worth. Get in line with the illegals and plan on having a couple of roomates so you can make ends meet. Welcome to the third world buddy!!!
Right on, a apprentice should be worth 15 an hour to start, I was making nearly 8 an hour doing this job in '74. My rent was 135 for a nice place with pool, workout room and recreation area. All I paid was power and phone. Now they pay about 10 an hour which means you work two weeks to pay the rent, one week to eat and pay taxes, and the other to buy gas and pay utilities. Then of course the govt gives you money back at the end of the year if you have kids, then they say how wonderful the economy is.
"I understand what you are saying but most of these guys that won't take the apprentice program know what they are saying also. You will take the program and work for us at about half of what the job is worth. Get in line with the illegals and plan on having a couple of roomates so you can make ends meet. Welcome to the third world buddy!!!"
Correct! Anyone who has any ties to the construction industry can see what's happening. In parts of this country where illegals have infiltrated into the construction trades, the wages have dropped back to what they were in the 1970s - if you, as an American citizen, can even get a job in construction. Illegals will get first choice.
My father finished concrete back in Tulsa in the 1970s and made $10.00 per hour - no benefits. Concrete finishers are making around $12.00 per hour now in 2005 - still with no benefits. In the 1990s, concrete finishers were making $15.00 to $20.00 per hour.
Guess what changed between the 1990s and now? You guessed it - illegals heavily infiltrated the Tulsa construction trades.