I live near an area where there is a large prevalence oil and gas refineries and O&G-adjacent industries. The men and women who keep these plants running work a grueling schedule and are often involved in fairly risky activities due to the nature of the stuff they are dealing with (flammable or toxic materials). Despite this, tons of locals flock to these jobs and there there is a huge surplus of available people who are seeking these jobs. By huge, I mean people testify to applying to these jobs for literal years before they ever get an opportunity (many don’t without connection). Entry level typically requires experience or an Associates degree. I should note that experience is helpful but not critical, the job is not easy but is not rocket science either. These jobs can generally get you to 6 figures in the first year, and most top out around 150K in a MCOL area. The benefits are generally excellent, some even have pensions. Yes, these companies are extremely profitable and I’ve already mentioned that the work is hazardous and has odd hours, but with the massive surplus of willing and able labor, why do these companies still pay so highly?
In: Economics
A good example in my area is meat packing. These are brutal and dangerous jobs. No one WANTS to gut chickens and move beef carcasses all day in a refrigerated room. These used to be great salaries and benefits to these jobs. My grandfather was a union meat inspector for 45 years and raised a family on the single income.
The unions were busted in the 90s and now the jobs are low paying and grueling. They bring in migrant workers now to do a lot of the heavy and unpleasant stuff, as locals just won’t do the work at the pay they advertise.
So, wages are artificially depressed due to worker visa bullshit.
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