Laborer - Types of Work

Types of Work

Some of the work done by laborers includes:

• concrete - shotcrete, gunite, grouting and steel forms
• demolition - concrete cutting, pavement breaking, cutting torch
• environmental remediation and hazardous waste
• fences and landscaping
• hod carrier - block masonry, plasterers and fireproofing
• paving - white paving formwork, traffic control, striping, signs
• piping - water pipe, sewer and storm drain
• field technology
• tunnels - drilling and blasting
• dry utilities - electrical conduit and communications conduit

Much of the work traditionally claimed by laborers is merely work that did not fit into any other workforce's labor classification. These other classifications (in order of prestige) typically include the heavy equipment operators, ironworkers, carpenters, masons, teamsters/truck drivers and hod carriers. In addition, work that typically was shunned by journeymen of other trade unions tradesman/craftsman or was given to their apprentices is generally done by laborers in the absence of apprentices.

An example is the operators who in the division of labor have all the equipment. Most operators will not operate equipment they perceive as lowly such as skid steer, kick-brooms and telescopic handlers, laborers usually are used to operate these unless an operator apprentice is available and demands his right to operate. The same is true for most other trades except the ironworkers who are notorious for protecting their work and not wanting anyone else to touch their steel, tie-wire or Kliens. The advantage to this system is that many laborers gain sufficient experience working with another trade to journeyman-in while earning a higher wage than an apprentice. Many foremen will gradually give a laborer extra responsibility until they are performing at a journeyman level and can enter a more skilled union as a journeyman.