American Axle may close, makes parts for H-3

[Huck BB62]

Originally Posted by hummer_metal

This is correct....

Maybe some, but that blanket statement's completely inappropriate. The unions I deal with, the IBEW, Pipefitters, and some others are the only game in town for large scale, highly trained labor. They're the only people providing apprenticeships. There's no "non-labor" companies capable of doing the highly skilled, massive, technical jobs on power plant construction and maintenance. I've seen 'em come and go. The non-union companies SAY they can compete and that they can do the job for cheaper, then they come in and provide crap for service and skills. Valuable time is lost on rework, failed inspections due to poorly done work etc. The non-union crews that come in look like, and perform like they picked them up at the work release program that morning. They steal, don't show up, and in general, are a joke.

I can't even fathom a job like a bridge being built, power plant being constructed, or a high rise being raised by non-apprentice program raised scabs with marginal and unproven skills. Maybe small dinky stuff, but as a rule, the larger more complex jobs require large, skilled, proven workforces.