NYC construction jobs draw migrant women

New York City’s influx of migrants has reached the construction industry, with a flow of unexpected additions.

More asylum-seeking women are entering construction jobs, the New York Times reported. Social service workers told the outlet the industry offers steady work and pay as an alternative to jobs typically open to potentially undocumented female employees, like housekeeping.

In addition to individual cases cited by the outlet, data show a recent rise in demand for construction jobs. In the first half of the year, the Department of Buildings issued more than triple the amount of Site Safety Training cards than it issued for all of 2019.

Providers offering required safety construction classes are increasingly seeing women sitting in those seats in comparison to years before the pandemic and as a result of nearly-full classes offered exclusively for women.

Construction also offers opportunities for growth. Certifications in specialized skills, like scaffolding, can provide the ability for women — many of whom may be their family breadwinners — to earn more.

The recent wave of immigrants is different from historical norms as more families are fleeing violence in South America, instead of single men, a migration expert told the outlet. 

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The industry stands out with plentiful opportunity and job security, but the disadvantages are plentiful as sexism and exploitation have long plagued the male-dominated industry — in addition to the danger that comes with an active job site. 

Social service workers also raised the risky nature of working while undocumented. Contractors pick up day laborers and solicit workers for wages well below the minimum wage as the growing market means more room for competition and exploitation; NICE, a Queens-based immigrant services group, receives up to 100 complaints of wage theft monthly.

— Holden Walter-Warner