Whoa – California is planning to hire illegal immigrants to rebuild Hollywood? Construction unions probably won't be about that . . .

Photo above - does anyone here know how to install a 220 volt Level-2 EV charger? Even a little? Estupendo! Estás contratado . . .

In many blue cities – and states – there are a BUNCH of laws requiring contractors to use union labor for construction work. And almost everything else. (Full disclosure – Teamsters charges came in at triple the original estimate for a NYC job my employer did. We never booked a job in New York again).

Now California is raising its hand. Apparently they want to change the rules. Immigrants are first in line for the rebuilding jobs. Because it has to be done fast, and cheap? (We’re talking 12,000 mostly luxury homes/McMansions here). And it's not just in the link below. CNN did a 15 minute deep dive on this at 8am. The rebuilding of Tinseltown may be delayed if deportations aren't stopped!

I’m certainly there are possibly some illegal immigrants who have bonafide credentials as electricians, plumbers, HVAC techs, structural engineers. But mostly not. That’s what the USA has training, apprenticeships and credentials for. Raise your hand if you want your oceanfront home built by someone who's a beginner with pipe wrenches and voltmeters. Okay then, let’s move on.

The solution of course IS to hire people with credentials. Or who pass the licensing test before the job starts. And to continue deportation proceedings on those with outstanding felony warrants and stolen identities. That SHOULD satisfy everyone, right? But it probably will only further inflame the advocates for unlimited, unquestioned immigration.

I’m just sayin’ . . .

From LA Wildfires to Hurricanes, Immigrants Help Rebuild After Disasters. Some May Face Deportation

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Avectoijesuismoi · 31-35

I have a radical solution to the lack of basic labourer issue, what about utilizing all those that are currently in prisons, get them to do some of the basics they are already being kept by the citizens, you might even find some skilled labour in there

Not talking about sex offenders/murders in that though they can stay locked up

jehova · 31-35, M

@Avectoijesuismoi im pretty sure that is being done in many instances already. There is a labor shortage.

Avectoijesuismoi · 31-35

@jehova I am not convinced that that resource has been fully utilized, there must be many thousands around.

SusanInFlorida · 31-35, F

@Avectoijesuismoi unions (some of them) have successfully lobbied state legislatures to PREVENT prison labor from doing jobs which their members could/do perform.

additionally, unions create elaborate criteria for certification to deter competition. there might be some rationale for this in the case of public safety (plumging, electrical work, welding). but there are constantly stories of casual labor now requiring "certification"

the district of columbia infamously has required training/certification for barbers, hair weaving, nail salon workers, etc.

Avectoijesuismoi · 31-35

@SusanInFlorida I actually have no issues with Electricians, plumbers, welding etc having to be qualified people at all, I personally insist on qualified for electrics and a few other things.
But there are labour jobs like digging holes, shovelling up rubble etc where that is overkill anyone with a bit of sense can operate a shovel and a wheelbarrow

As for barbers/hairdressers etc I applaud them for doing that I wouldn't want an unqualified person cutting my hair or doing my nails or working anywhere with anything in a salon or spa on people or on things the people are using. Those chemicals etc are very dangerous things as is some of the equipment they use