Eisboch wrote:
"HK" wrote in message
. ..

Most people don't realize that even in the best of times, commercial
construction workers have periods of unemployment because of the vagaries
of the market. That's one of the reasons why their hourly rate seems so
high. They usually don't get the 50 weeks of work that other working
Americans "enjoy."

Good point, and one I admit that I have not considered. However ....
don't union members get some sort of pay and benefits even when they are "in
between" jobs?

Eisboch




Not in the construction union field, generally speaking. If they have
worked enough quarters, their health insurance might last until they
start working again. Most unionized construction workers average about
1200 work hours a year in typical times, a little more when times are
good. Weather plays a significant role in hours worked, too, especially
in the colder climes.

Now, in Florida, the hourly rates are significantly lower than up north,
because the weather is not an impediment.