A major union is disputing claims by Michigan’s home builders that there are not enough skilled workers to fill all the jobs in the state’s resurgent construction industry.
New home prices are up in Michigan this year. Building permits are also up.
But the Home Builders Association of Michigan released a survey last month claiming a deep gap between the number of skilled trades workers and the jobs available.
That’s not true, according to Mike Jackson. He’s the Secretary-Treasurer of the Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters and Millwrights.
Jackson accuses the home builders of trying to get the state to pay for more training for more skilled construction workers, in order to flood the job market.
“If you have 20 people looking for a job, instead of 2 people, you can pay less,” says Jackson.
The home builders association had no comment on the union’s accusation.
