Replying to a message of Bob Klahn to Bob Ackley:

 BA>> Replying to a message of Bob Klahn to Tom Walker:

 TW>>>> Goofing off and poor work is like some sort of Plague
 TW>>>> amongst Union workers. Even the few best they may have at
 TW>>>> one point become infected.

 BK>>>  Goofing off and poor work is like some sort of plague amongst
 BK>>>  non-union workers. Union workers tend toward a much higher level 
 BK>>> of performance.

 BA>> That has not been my experience.

 BK>  Do you live in a RTW state?

Yes.

 BK> Do you have a generally low level of worker competence?

It depends.  *I* don't, but the competence level of hired help varies.  Some
are good, some aren't.

 BK> That would explain a lot.

It might.

I can do house wiring at least as well if not better than a licensed electrician;
my work on the place here provides direct comparisons (note that for work on
the hot side of the master switch I hire a professional electrician).  I can also do
simple carpentry - not as well or as fast as an experienced, professional carpenter,
but I can do it.  Plumbing, too.  And most auto repairs that don't require special
tools or equipment.  I can also drive a good sized straight (non-semi) van body or
flatbed truck.

All of those professions have unions.  I haven't studied any of them except for
electrician - and that was over forty years ago.  Given a little thought and some
common sense most people can do the work.  I may have an edge because I've
read Popular Mechanics and similar publications for most of the past fifty years.

--- FleetStreet 1.19+