While some contractors dismiss the plan as political rhetoric, many say they can’t afford to lose more people from an aging, immigrant-dependent workforce still short of nearly 400,000 people.

While some contractors dismiss the plan as political rhetoric, many say they can’t afford to lose more people from an aging, immigrant-dependent workforce still short of nearly 400,000 people.

Both presidential candidates promise to build more homes. One promises to deport hundreds of thousands of people who build them.

Former President Donald Trump’s pledge to “launch the largest deportation operation in the history of our country” would hamstring construction firms already facing labor shortages and push record home prices higher, say industry leaders, contractors and economists.

“It would be detrimental to the construction industry and our labor supply and exacerbate our housing affordability problems,” said Jim Tobin, CEO of the National Association of Home Builders. The trade group considers foreign-born workers, regardless of legal status, “a vital and flexible source of labor” to builders, estimating they fill 30% of trade jobs like carpentry, plastering, masonry and electrical roles.

    • ToastedPlanet@lemmy.blahaj.zoneEnglish
      2·
      10 days ago

      That’s what an actual Door Dash driver has told me, and I would think he would be aware of the downsides of the business. He has told me his war stories and despite all of the cons he thinks it is better for him then working in his old job sector. It seems pretty telling. edit: typos

      • mightyfoolish@lemmy.world
        1·
        10 days ago

        I see. It could be easier for your friend to work with clients over other coworkers. There’s nothing wrong with that.

        • ToastedPlanet@lemmy.blahaj.zoneEnglish
          2·
          10 days ago

          What’s surprising about it is that two attributes outweighs all of the upsides of being a full-time employee and the downsides of an enshittified business model that makes you pay for your own gas. It speaks to how important and valuable work-life balance and coworker interactions are. edit: typo

          Companies should seek to provide at least the first and higher wages. I’m not sure what companies can do about generational differences, maybe different shifts, but that seems like it wouldn’t be feasible in every case. Maybe more training. He made it sound like an attitude problem though. =/

          • mightyfoolish@lemmy.world
            2·
            9 days ago

            Being able to set your own hours is something most people dream of. Many conventional jobs have a busy season where 50+ hours is mandatory. I’m glad your friend is able to get a good balance going.