Across New Jersey and across the country, trade unions have millions of workers ready to step onto job sites. These skilled workers are ready to build data centers, hydrogen hubs and other megaprojects in the pipeline. Millions more await a call to join as apprentices. The backlog of workers eager to join unions speaks volumes about the demand for good-paying construction jobs. So, no, the problem isn’t a lack of people who want to work construction – it’s a lack of employers willing to invest in local workers by paying fair wages and providing strong job protections. That begins with workforce development, and union apprenticeship programs are the gold standard for workforce development, offering rigorous training, hands-on experience and a direct path to a sustainable career. Apprentices receive sustainable wages, health benefits and pensions – all of which keep workers invested in their communities. We need more contractors and developers willing to pay fair wages and commit to building a system that can meet demand. And more than anything, we need people to recognize the long-term value of hiring skilled union labor instead of chasing short-term, low-cost fixes.
https://www.nj.com/opinion/2025/02/the-real-construction-crisis-isnt-a-labor-shortage-its-a-wage-shortage-opinion.html