To All Industry Buddies,
The utility construction market—both aerial and underground—is facing a hard reset. Due to new government enforcement and compliance mandates, the era of relying on undocumented or non-English-speaking Hispanic/Latino crews is over. There is no longer room in this industry for shortcuts or outdated labor models that fail to meet today’s legal and operational standards.
What this means is simple: labor costs are going up, and they’re not going back down. The $8–$10 per foot rates for 2” communication conduit are dead. That pricing belonged to a system that cut corners and undervalued the true cost of skilled labor. The industry must now recognize and respect the American workforce—the ones who are documented, skilled, compliant, and ready to deliver under today’s rules.
Moving forward, this is not optional. The days of “cheap and fast” labor are gone. Companies that continue to chase the lowest price will face one of two outcomes: failure to meet compliance or failure to retain qualified crews.
This is the time to impose new rates—rates that reflect the real cost of doing business the right way. We’re not just moving pipe and cable anymore. We are operating in a regulated, high-skill environment where professionalism, legal compliance, and workforce accountability are non-negotiable.
Adapt or be left behind. That’s the reality.
This isn’t just my stance—it’s the reality we’re all facing. I didn’t change the market alone. But together, if we hold the line, demand what’s fair, and stop underselling skilled labor, we can reshape the future of this industry.
