Plumbers

Continued From Page 8 this residential/light commercial work.”

Most independent contractors are reluctant to hire union workers because doing so cuts into their bottom line.

According to the Brookings Institution, union workers earn 11 percent more than nonunion works. They also received an attractive benefits package which includes health insurance and a pension.

“It’s very unusual for contractors to use union employees,” said Jarvis. “I’m not saying that this applies to all contractors, but many want to get rich on the backs of their employees.”

According to Jarvis, Boyce and Drake Plumbing in Saratoga Springs is one of the few small local contractors that relies on workers from Local 773.

“Boyce and Drake does residential and light commercial heating, cooling, and plumbing, and their charge out rate is the same as the other eight or ten non-union companies that they compete with,” said Jarvis. “That means that the homeowner still pays the same price, and the only difference is that Boyce and Drake doesn’t make as much because they are paying their employees a living wage. Their employees don’t make as much as my A-rate guys at GlobalFoundries do. But they make a great wage and have health insurance and the complete pension that 773 offers.

“With 773, you are getting quality employees. Our workers are trained professionals who went to school for five years in our apprentice- ship program and receive continuous training. And, if there is an issue with an employee on the job, you make one call, and I come down and sort it out. We get it done.”

Studies have also indicated that union workers are more likely to engage in safety practices than their non-union counterparts. Union workers are also able to express concerns over workplace safety without fear of retaliation.

Jarvis warns developers to be wary of what he refers to as the “fly-by-night” general contractors. In order to cut costs, these contractors often hire subcontractors who do sub-par work, something that can lead to costly mistakes.

“You get a lot of cut-rate general contractors who sub out the work. The cheaper he can get the subcontracting done, the more money he will make,” he said. “At the end of the day, if the work that is being performed on your job isn’t quality, you need to start asking questions. It may have been cheaper up front, but in the long run, was it really cheaper?”

When it comes to the skilled trades labor shortage, Jarvis said it comes down to dollars and sense.

“If you pay their worth and treat them properly, I don’t think we would have the shortage in the trades.

Local 773 has no shortage of skilled workers, and Jarvis is hopeful that contractors in the residential and light commercial sectors will take advantage of the competitive wage agreements that are available.

“I need to get the message out that we have no shortage and that we could man these projects if they gave us a chance,” said Jarvis.