[PapaBear3625]

...and the reason that it is really tough work is because the plant operators see no need to invest in automation, since they have a steady stream of desperate (and capable) people willing to do the work. Cut off that pipeline and operators will either pay enough to find Americans willing to work that hard, or they will automate (or both). It’s not hard to do.

And also cut back on welfare benefits. It's hard to convince somebody to do an on-the-books job, when she can be on public assistance (and work off-the-books as a nanny or housekeeper) and get more money for less work.

[BobL]

Could not agree more. Make $13/hr on welfare, or $15/hr working your %&$^% off...easy call.

[jjotto]

Same thing going on in Storm Lake and Marshalltown in Iowa, and probably hundreds of other small towns around America.