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Construction sites brace for losses during march

Christine L. Romero
The Arizona Republic
Apr. 29, 2006 12:00 AM

SOUTHWEST VALLEY - The words "southwest Valley" and "growth" go hand in hand as homes, roads and other developments spring from the ground.

Construction is a major force in the region, and some wonder how Monday's planned pro-immigrant demonstration will affect it.

On April 10, more than 100,000 people hit the streets of Phoenix calling for immigration reform. The marchers who missed work left a void in the workforce; some business slowed significantly.

The impact was seen by companies using immigrant labor and was felt at hotels, restaurants and construction sites. One southwest Valley construction site near 91st Avenue and Lower Buckeye Road was at a virtual standstill. Only a handful of employees from a 35-member team clocked in that day.

"We know the average construction worker in America is 53," said David Jones, president and chief executive officer of the Arizona Contractors Association. "We also know that America's youth is not lining up to learn the skilled crafts. . . . If the federal government doesn't come up with a functional guest-worker program, we will have some problems, and not just in Arizona."

He points to Arizona Department of Commerce's data that suggests a shortfall of 40,000 skilled laborers in the state by 2014.

Immigrant-rights advocates say they want to show the economic power of undocumented immigrants. Some have called for workers and students to stay home and not spend any money Monday. They hope to gain federal legislation allowing undocumented immigrants to earn legal status.

By contrast, others are upset with the demonstrations and the increasing number of undocumented immigrants on the payroll at the nation's firms.

So, exactly how many southwest Valley construction sites will Monday's plans affect?

The outlook is murky.

"I think it's going to be difficult to determine what the immediate impact is going to be," Jones said. "We probably won't know until the day after."

Most contractors will probably figure out the shape of their crews over the weekend.

Jones said he is hearing that foremen are starting to ask who plans to work Monday.

"They will probably get the word the night before or tomorrow afternoon," Jones said Thursday.

The choice to skip work Monday could have an impact on those who choose to work a construction site that day. Jones expects that some sites might let some employees get a few hours, but if the project requires more employees, those who show up may be sent home.

"That's a ramification if you elect to impact the job site in that way," Jones said. "It does have an effect on your fellow co-workers."

The diversity of the construction industry makes it difficult to say how fewer workers on the job will affect the outcome.

"To determine the impact of a one-day event really depends on where you are on the phase of that particular project," Jones said.

A site trying to pour concrete could face problems, for example.

Some foremen might decide to shut down the job site Monday if the turnout isn't enough. Most employers will probably be flexible, Jones said.



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