This book tells about the history of construction work in America, even going into more recent history. He tells of a time when a career in construction was a path to the middle class, especially for those in skilled trades. He did acknowledge that unions did make this path possible and when the membership in the unions declined so did the wages that construction workers made. He did talk about now how now subcontractors are labeled as contract workers instead of workers of the company where they could get benefits. He does explain about how workers are mislabeled in order to keep them from being eligible for benefits. He did say that it was more dangerous for construction workers today with companies wanting to keep costs low and the unions aren't negotiating with the companies for better conditions. He does make an argument on how unions are beneficial to construction workers, even for those who don't belong to a union but work for a company that has a relationship with a union. I would recommend this book to those who are looking to get an insight into the construction industry. I received a copy of this book in exchange for a review from NetGalley.

Making comparisons with America's and Australia construction sector and learning about its history were enjoyable. I've discovered that Australia have much the same issues, and many of them are related to profiteering and dismantling unions.
The primary problem here right now is the private building inspections, which were previously the duty of the government. Due to privateers checking the buildings' security without actually entering the premises, multi-story buildings have collapsed as a result.
Shortcuts have resulted from huge construction companies now hiring tiny, independent family businesses that must compete for a job.
Teaching facilities in schools have been turned over to private enterprise, a calamity that has resulted in the employment of unqualified people without licences.
Just letting Mark Erlich see that America is not alone in a battle to correct the wrongs in building industries.
An independent review for NetGalley / University of Illinois Press