Unions spark some of the strongest emotions in construction. Jason finally tackles the topic head-on sharing both the best and worst he's seen. From world-class training halls to toxic bullying, from skilled Southern California carpenters to right-to-work states with weaker pipelines, he unpacks why unions exist, where they add value, and where they've gone off track.
In this episode, Jason covers:
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Why unions are ultimately our fault, a response to toxic management and disrespect for people.
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The undeniable benefits: training, tools, benefits, and raising the bar on craft quality.
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The dark side: threats, vandalism, mafia-like behavior, and how that destroys trust.
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Real examples from California, Texas, Arizona, and Illinois that show both extremes.
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Why "all union" vs. "no union" politics is broken and what a balanced path could look like.
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A bigger truth: nobody in the U.S. should be threatened or killed for their beliefs, union or non-union.
The bottom line: if companies want to avoid unions, they must take better care of their people. And if unions want lasting respect, they must hold themselves accountable to higher standards.
This is a raw, unfiltered conversation you won't hear anywhere else. Hit play and join the dialogue.
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