Mexican workers

Why do Mexican workers have a reputation of doing "shoddy" work? Is it because Americanos are mad at them for taking away American jobs! This seems to be the most underling reason for this reputation and I here this all the time. Mexican workers can do good work and they are no different than Americans in that they need to be trained alike. There are less American workers going into the construction field today and just as many leaving the field. The Mexican workers are filling in that gap. It is up to the owners, managers, supervisors, and team leaders who bring Mexican workers aboard to make sure they are trained. Most American workers have graduated from high school while Mexican workers may only reach 3rd grade before they are convinced to go to work. That being said, an extra learning and training curve will need to be applied.

I am currently training a couple of Mexican workers in the installation of solar panels. The process is fairly simple with the exception of the mathematics portion to begin the layout. It will take extra time to help them in these areas and I am willing to do it. The worst case scenario would be to not train them and reputation of "shoddy" work will be vilified. >>>

they have that rep,because they do shoddy work!>>>

Well said Robert!

For years I have had maybe 1 out of 20 customers ask if my employees could speak English...

In the last 3-4 months...I bet 7 out of 10 don't ask, but tell me they don't want Mexicans on their roof....if they can't speak English, they don't want them around.

I think it is because many white collar people have now felt what many of us have been feeling for years...the white collars now know they cant live off what illegals work for.>>>

Robby; who convinces a 3rd grade kid to quit school and go to work. Do I dare ask how much you have to pay these Mexicans to learn basic math? The Americano workers pool in your area must be to a bare minimum. Id say having to teach basic math to grown men "reaching to the bottom of the pickle barrel".>>>

Why not pay someone who will contribute to our economy,instead of stripmining it,by sending all their $$ to mexico---I don`t mind when they come here ,and want to stay,and make a life for themselves,but that`s rarely the case>>>

In Mexico some are very fortunate to advance to high school while others began working in the fields (mom and dad cannot make enough) then advance to some type of trade. When the opportunity arises, they come to the U.S. for a better life. I am not saying that they do not know math or cannot comprehend what they are doing. What I am saying is that innovation and quality of work that you may expect is difficult for them to grasp, therefore, with stepped up efforts from all of us in the extra traning will reduce the "shoddy work syndrome". Their work is only as good as thier american training.

Shipping $$$$ to Mexico....Mexican society is about familly, mom and dad raise the kids and the kids in return support thier mom and dad during retirement. Because of our social security problems, maybe I can get my children to support me since there will be nothing left!>>>

A large portion of SSI is going to Mexico and further south lately since the illegals don't contribute. I wonder if that has anything to do with it's failure???? :blink:>>>

Our "mexicans" don't do shoddy work, or at least no more so than the white boys because they know not to. I'll tell you what they do do though, they show up, every day, on time, sober, ready to work, they don't bitch about money or screw me on time. And with regard to the shingle subs we use, they are every bit as good as the locals. Training, attitude, wages, THE PERSPECTIVE OF THE OBSERVER..... it all goes into the mix.>>>

Robby; so how much do you have to pay them? I see you skipped that part.>>>

Hi Hatchetman,

What does pay have to do with it?>>>

Robby- I don't think the issue is about shoddy work as much as it is about the effect that the hiring of illegals is having on the trade. Too many contractors are hiring them to work cheap and dragging down the wages in the trade. With the pay rate being lowered it is preventing American workers from going into the trades. Why would anyone want to work so hard for wages that won't support a family. Everyone complains that there are no Americans willing to work. I have not found that to be the case. If you aren't willing to pay a decent wage you will get only the bottom of the barrel to choose from.>>>

Hi Lefty,

I have heard others talk about how cheap the Mexicans work for; just thought he may tell us. And I guess it probably has nothing to do with it. Its really none of my biz anyway. But I can only assume it could be minimum wage or less.>>>

I dont think the race determines the type of work that is produced.I do think that using under trained,under educated employees(or non employees for the matter) is where the sub standard work comes from.

Of course they show up everyday and sober when they only make 80 bucks a day they cant afford to stay home and do other non work related activities.

>>>

Around here,some or most of the legal sob's, have set themselves up as a subcontractor,legal or not,I don't know. They are subbing from builders, other roofers , etc.,for less than I can do a job. When the one legal mex get's the job ,he brings in the illegals to do the work. While I don't know what the roofer is paying his help , I do know what the brickers are paying theirs. Last count I got from a friend of mine in the drywall bus.,brickers are getting from 5 to 15 dollars a day,this figure came from the horses mouth,believe it or not.>>>

Well Im right next to the Tijuana border. Ive had my fair share of working with Mexicans and every other race. There are shoddy ass scabs in every race. It all depends on who you learned from! My guys take pride in thier work and take care of me just as well as i take care of them.>>>

......as for working for less it does'nt happen here, price per sq is price per sq.....black, brown or candy stripe.....>>>